Immigration

U.S. Signs 'Safe Third Country' Agreement With Honduras

Under it, Central American migrants journeying through Honduras en route to the U.S. would be forced to apply for asylum in Honduras instead.

U.S. Signs 'Safe Third Country' Agreement With Honduras
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Honduras is now the latest Central American country to reach an agreement with the U.S. on asylum-seekers.

The Trump administration didn't release specific details of the deal. But a senior official with the Department of Homeland Security who wished to remain anonymous told multiple outlets the two countries signed what's known as a "safe third country" agreement.

Under it, Central American migrants journeying through Honduras en route to the U.S. would be forced to apply for asylum in Honduras instead. 

The Trump administration is trying to cut down on the number of migrants entering the U.S. through its border with Mexico. 

The U.S. has already signed similar "safe third country" agreements with Guatemala and El Salvador. But neither have been implemented yet.

The deals all fall in line with a new administration rule that adds "a new bar to eligibility" for asylum-seekers who didn't apply for protections in at least one "third country" on their way to the U.S. border.

A San Francisco judge blocked the rule. But the U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed the restrictions to take effect while the appeals process plays out.

Addiitional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN