By Belize Live News Staff: The People’s National Party (PNP) is drawing a firm line in the sand, rejecting outright any attempt to make Belize a “Third Safe Country” under a proposed agreement with the United States.
PNP Leader Wil Maheia minced no words, calling the proposal a direct threat to Belize’s sovereignty. “We are a sovereign nation, not a dumping ground for broken immigration policies that have nothing to do with us,” he declared.
The deal would see Belize temporarily hosting migrants or deportees from third countries while their asylum cases are processed in the U.S. The PNP warns this would dangerously stretch Belize’s already underfunded health services, education system, and infrastructure.
“This isn’t about compassion; it’s about convenience for Washington,” the party stated, noting that Belize already struggles with high youth unemployment and limited public resources.
The PNP is demanding the Government immediately reject the deal, release the details of negotiations, and reaffirm that Belize’s constitution and security must come before foreign interests.
“Hosting non-Belizean deportees will create insecurity, strain our resources, and trap vulnerable people in detention-like conditions. It’s not right, and it’s not happening—not on our watch,” the statement concluded.
