As the sun sets over the Rio Grande, thousands of migrants attempt to cross into the United States, seeking refuge from war-torn countries and economic hardship. The scenes are all too familiar, yet the consequences are dire, with many asylum seekers languishing in detention centers for years without a resolution to their claims.
The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) between the United States and Paraguay is a crucial development in addressing this humanitarian crisis. By providing an alternative route for asylum seekers to pursue their protection claims in Paraguay, the agreement has the potential to significantly reduce the number of people attempting to cross into the United States, thereby shutting down the abuse of our nation's asylum system.
The STCA represents a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the two nations, which was formalized during President Santiago Peña's visit to Washington in 2023. The agreement reflects Paraguay's designation as a key partner in countertransnational crime and its commitment to regional and global interests, as well as its enormous economic potential in areas such as energy, mining, and technology.
Historically, the relationship between the United States and Paraguay has been shaped by the country's tumultuous history. In 2006, the two nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation against transnational crime, which included provisions for the exchange of intelligence and law enforcement best practices. However, it wasn't until 2019 that the U.S. and Paraguay launched the Alliance for Prosperity Initiative, a comprehensive strategy to promote regional stability and economic growth.
Key stakeholders in the agreement include President Santiago Peña of Paraguay, who has made significant efforts to strengthen his country's ties with the United States; Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, who has been instrumental in negotiating the STCA; and U.S. Ambassador to Paraguay, Kimberly Breitfeller, who will be responsible for implementing the agreement.
According to data from the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, between 2017 and 2022, there were over 1 million unauthorized crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border, with many asylum seekers attempting to cross into the United States. The STCA represents a critical step in addressing this crisis, providing an alternative route for asylum seekers to pursue their protection claims while ensuring that the United States is not overwhelmed by the demand.
"The Safe Third Country Agreement is a game-changer for our efforts to address illegal immigration and secure our borders," said John Nagl, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. "By working with Paraguay, we are able to share the burden of managing asylum claims while ensuring that those seeking protection can do so in a safe and efficient manner."
According to experts, the STCA has significant implications for global stability, as it addresses a critical humanitarian issue while promoting regional cooperation and countertransnational crime efforts. "This agreement is a testament to the growing partnership between the United States and Paraguay," said Maria Luisa Márquez, program coordinator at the International Center for Migration Policy Development. "By working together on this issue, we can create a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for our hemisphere."
Recent developments over the past six months have underscored the importance of the STCA. In February 2025, the U.S. and Paraguay launched joint operations to combat transnational crime in the region, which resulted in the arrest of several key figures involved in smuggling and human trafficking.
Looking ahead, the agreement is expected to have a significant impact on both the United States and Paraguay. In the short term, it is likely that the number of unauthorized crossings into the United States will decrease significantly, as asylum seekers pursue their protection claims in Paraguay.
In the long term, the STCA has the potential to establish a new model for regional cooperation on migration issues, one that balances humanitarian concerns with national security needs. "This agreement represents a significant step forward in our efforts to address illegal immigration and promote regional stability," said Ambassador Breitfeller. "We look forward to continuing to work with Paraguay to build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for our hemisphere."
As policymakers and journalists, it is essential that we continue to debate the implications of this agreement and its potential impact on global stability. By engaging in constructive dialogue and sharing our perspectives, we can help ensure that the STCA remains a vital tool in addressing one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time.
In conclusion, the Safe Third Country Agreement with Paraguay represents a significant development in addressing illegal immigration and promoting regional cooperation. As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to prioritize this issue, working together to create a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for our hemisphere.