The United States and Paraguay have formalized a significant Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) on August 14, 2025. This pact allows asylum seekers currently within the United States to pursue their claims in Paraguay, representing a notable shift in U.S. immigration policy. The agreement is intended to distribute the responsibilities associated with managing illegal immigration and to mitigate what U.S. officials describe as misuse of the U.S. asylum system.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Paraguayan Minister of Foreign Relations Rubén Ramírez Lezcano signed the agreement at the State Department. Secretary Rubio stated that the deal is a crucial step in preventing the abuse of the U.S. asylum system, emphasizing that this collaboration enables both nations to "share the burden of managing illegal immigration while shutting down the abuse of our nation's asylum system." This initiative is part of a broader strategic partnership between the two countries, aiming to deepen cooperation across security, diplomatic, and economic fronts.
Minister Ramírez Lezcano highlighted the agreement's comprehensive nature, noting its extension beyond immigration policy to include security, trade, and investments, all underpinned by shared values of democracy and human rights. This accord strengthens U.S.-Paraguay relations, formalizing cooperation on migration and security and signaling a shared commitment to regional stability and effective border management. The United States and Paraguay have a long-standing diplomatic relationship dating back to 1861.
The STCA is designed to reduce the number of asylum applications processed within the United States by redirecting some applicants to Paraguay, thereby alleviating pressure on the U.S. immigration system. However, concerns have been raised by critics regarding the adequacy of protection for asylum seekers in designated third countries and potential risks or inadequate procedures. Human rights advocates have also expressed reservations, particularly concerning Paraguay's human rights record and the possibility of more questionable deportations.
Data from December 2019 indicated approximately 694 asylum seekers in Paraguay, with a notable increase in applications from Venezuelans and Cubans in subsequent years. While Paraguay maintains an open-door policy and a functioning asylum system supported by UNHCR, the influx of claims could present administrative challenges. The agreement reflects a broader trend in U.S. immigration policy, focusing on stricter migration management, a strategy associated with the Trump administration's approach.