Asylum Cooperation Agreement with El Salvador: what you need to know

On September 20, 2019, the United States government signed an Asylum Cooperation Agreement with El Salvador, making it the latest of three Central American countries to have such an agreement with the US. This agreement, which allows for immigrants to be sent to El Salvador to seek asylum instead of the United States, has drawn a lot of controversy and criticism.

What is the Asylum Cooperation Agreement?

The Asylum Cooperation Agreement is an agreement between two countries that allows for immigrants to be sent to a third country to seek asylum instead of being able to stay in the country they are currently in. In this case, immigrants who arrive at the United States` border seeking asylum can be sent to El Salvador instead of being allowed to stay in the US.

What are the criticisms of the Asylum Cooperation Agreement?

Critics of the Asylum Cooperation Agreement argue that El Salvador is not equipped and does not have the resources to handle the influx of asylum seekers. They also criticize the safety concerns for asylum seekers in El Salvador, as it is a country with a high rate of violence and crime.

Another criticism of the agreement is that it violates international law, specifically the principle of non-refoulement which prohibits the return of individuals to a country where their safety is at risk.

What are the implications of the Asylum Cooperation Agreement?

The Asylum Cooperation Agreement with El Salvador has serious implications for individuals seeking asylum in the United States. It makes it more difficult for them to seek refuge and find safety in the US. It also sets a dangerous precedent for other countries, as this agreement goes against the principles of international law and the values of human rights.

In conclusion, the Asylum Cooperation Agreement with El Salvador has drawn a lot of criticism and controversy. It is important for individuals to understand the implications of this agreement and to advocate for the protection of human rights and the principles of international law.