In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties, the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry and the U.S. Department of State signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to address irregular migration and streamline asylum processes. The agreement, signed by Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Undersecretary of Homeland Security Troy Edgar, underscores a shared commitment to tackling illegal migration.
A milestone in bilateral relations
The MOU marks a pivotal moment in the longstanding alliance between Paraguay and the United States. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Secretary Rubio described the agreement as “another milestone in the very strong friendship and alliance that exists between our governments and our people.”
Rubio, who recently spoke about Paraguay in the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, highlighted the “extraordinary ability” of both nations to collaborate on critical issues like illegal migration, which he noted is a shared concern. Rubio also hinted at broader cooperation, stating, “The economic opportunities that exist are enormous.”
“Irregular migration”, and “illegal migration”
The Paraguay-U.S. MOU uses “irregular migration” for undocumented movements, including asylum seekers, and “illegal migration” for unauthorized entries, balancing humanitarian and enforcement priorities. The MOU’s focus on shared responsibility and proper asylum processes, suggests an effort to address both the humanitarian (irregular) and enforcement (illegal) aspects of migration.
Commitment to shared values
Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez echoed Rubio’s sentiments, emphasising the deep commitment between the two nations. “This agreement represents our resolve to work together not only on migration but also on security, trade, and investment,” Ramírez said.
He underscored the diversification of the bilateral agenda, rooted in shared principles such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The agreement is seen as a testament to Paraguay’s growing role as a regional partner in addressing global challenges.
Strengthening border security
Undersecretary of Homeland Security Troy Edgar praised Paraguay as a key ally in bolstering border security. “This memorandum is a major step,” Edgar stated, noting that the agreement would enhance national security by ensuring “appropriate processes” for asylum applications. And stressed that the MOU would provide tools to process claims more effectively, ensuring asylum is granted to those who deserve it.
The MOU aims to strengthen cooperation in analysing and processing protection requests, according to the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry. A U.S. State Department statement further clarified that the agreement allows asylum seekers currently in the U.S. to present their claims in Paraguay. This innovative approach enables both nations to “share the burden of managing illegal immigration”, while curbing misuse of the U.S. asylum system. The agreement is expected to set a precedent for collaborative migration management in the region.
Broader implications
The signing of the MOU signals a deepening of Paraguay-U.S. relations, with potential ripple effects across trade, security, and regional stability. As both nations work to implement the agreement, the international community will be watching closely to see how this partnership shapes migration policy and bilateral cooperation in the years to come.
