Rumors flew fast, but Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo has put his foot down — and hard. In a bold statement that’s making headlines around the world, he made it absolutely clear: there is no asylum agreement with the United States. With migration already a sensitive topic, this denial is now shaking the political conversation across Central America and beyond.
President Arévalo spoke publicly this week to crush claims that Guatemala had signed or planned to sign a secret asylum deal with the U.S. Many believed the country would soon be receiving migrants who were originally trying to enter the U.S. — but the president called those reports completely false.
He told reporters, “There is no such agreement. We are not negotiating anything like that with the United States.” His direct and firm response came after several American media outlets suggested Guatemala could soon act as a “safe third country” for asylum seekers, especially people coming from other parts of Latin America.
Where did these rumors come from?
The confusion seems to have started after U.S. officials mentioned they were discussing new migration strategies with various Central American countries. Some outlets quickly assumed that Guatemala had already signed onto something — but that wasn’t the case.
This sparked flashbacks to 2019, when Guatemala did sign a controversial deal under then-President Jimmy Morales during the Trump administration. That agreement allowed the U.S. to send asylum seekers to Guatemala instead of letting them apply directly in America. It faced heavy criticism and was later canceled because Guatemala was considered too unsafe and unprepared to host such a system.
President Arévalo made it clear he does not plan to repeat that. His focus, he said, is on strengthening Guatemala internally — improving jobs, safety, and services for Guatemalans — not on accepting the burden of migrants from other nations.
Public reaction to the denial
The president’s statement has received a wave of support from human rights organizations, activists, and citizens. Many praised him for standing up for Guatemala’s dignity and refusing to bow to international pressure. Several political commentators even said this shows that Guatemala is now taking a more independent and people-first approach to global politics.
However, others believe the U.S. may still try to push for regional asylum processing centers in countries like Guatemala. The pressure on Washington to solve the immigration crisis continues to grow, and that often includes asking other nations for help.
But for now, President Arévalo is drawing a clear line: Guatemala is not a dumping ground for foreign migration problems.
This story is far from over. Migration remains one of the most debated issues in the Americas — and whatever happens next, Guatemala’s role will definitely stay in the spotlight.
