In recent years, the landscape of U.S. asylum policy has shifted many times, and one topic that often creates confusion is the use of Asylum Cooperation Agreements (ACAs). These agreements — sometimes referred to as “safe third country” arrangements — were designed to allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to send certain asylum seekers to partner countries to pursue protection elsewhere. Although many ACAs were suspended or terminated in the years following their introduction, understanding what they were and how DHS used them can help immigrants and advocates navigate today’s evolving system.
What Are Asylum Cooperation Agreements?
ACAs are agreements between the United States and specific foreign governments. Under these arrangements, the U.S. could transfer certain asylum seekers to a partner country, requiring them to request asylum there instead of in the United States. These policies were introduced with the stated purpose of sharing responsibility for regional migration flows, but they raised human rights concerns from advocates, attorneys, and international organizations.
How DHS Implemented ACAs
The Department of Homeland Security was responsible for enforcing ACAs through immigration agencies such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Under these agreements, officers could determine whether a person encountered at the border should be sent to a partner country — even if the individual had no personal ties to that nation.
Implementation created significant challenges. Many asylum seekers faced language barriers, lack of legal representation, and unsafe conditions in countries that were ill-equipped to process large numbers of protection claims. After a shift in federal policy, most ACA-related removals were halted and the agreements eventually wound down.
Where Things Stand Today
As of 2026, ACAs are no longer widely used, but DHS still plays a central role in how asylum cases are processed, including:
- Screening individuals at the border through credible fear interviews
- Referring cases to immigration court for full asylum proceedings
- Managing detention and parole decisions that affect asylum seekers
- Implementing new rules that regulate how and when people can seek protection
Because policies continue to evolve, it is critical for asylum seekers to understand their rights and work with experienced legal counsel. Even without ACAs in effect, DHS enforcement practices, timelines, and requirements can significantly impact someone’s ability to obtain protection in the United States.
How We Help at ATR Law Group
At ATR Law Group, we guide individuals and families through every step of the asylum process — from preparing credible fear interviews to representing clients in immigration court. Our Phoenix-based asylum attorney stays up to date on changing DHS policies to help ensure our clients are protected and informed.
If you or a loved one is seeking asylum or has questions about DHS procedures, we’re here to help. Call us at (602) 702-0981 or request a consultation through our website to get support from a compassionate, experienced immigration lawyer.
