Safe Third Country Agreement: What Is It?

The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) is a bilateral agreement between the United States and Canada that sets out a shared responsibility for asylum seekers. This agreement requires that individuals who arrive at the border between the two countries make their refugee claim in the first country in which they arrive. In other words, if someone arrives at the Canadian border, but previously passed through the United States, they are expected to make their refugee claim in the United States, and vice versa.

The STCA was signed in 2002 as a means of managing the flow of asylum seekers between the two countries. It was designed to prevent individuals from submitting multiple refugee claims in different countries and to ensure that people do not “shop” for a more favorable refugee determination process.

However, over the years, there has been significant criticism of the STCA. Many refugee advocates argue that the agreement violates the principles of refugee protection and that the United States is not a safe country for asylum seekers. They point to the current administration’s policies, such as family separation and the Muslim travel ban, as evidence of the United States’ lack of commitment to protecting refugees.

The STCA has also faced legal challenges. In 2017, a Canadian court struck down the agreement, arguing that it violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The court found that the agreement forces asylum seekers to take dangerous routes to enter Canada illegally, putting them at risk of harm and inhumane treatment.

The government of Canada appealed the decision, and in 2018, the Federal Court of Appeal overturned the lower court’s ruling. The appeals court found that the STCA does not violate the charter, as it does not deprive asylum seekers of their right to life, liberty, and security of the person.

Despite the decision, the STCA remains controversial, and calls for its repeal continue. As of August 2021, the agreement is suspended as a result of a legal challenge in the United States.

In conclusion, the Safe Third Country Agreement is a bilateral agreement between the United States and Canada that sets out a shared responsibility for asylum seekers. While it was designed to prevent multiple refugee claims and ensure fairness, it has been criticized for violating the principles of refugee protection and potentially putting asylum seekers at risk. As the legal challenges continue, the future of the STCA remains unclear.

Agreement is an essential aspect of communication as people interact with each other on a daily basis. In a nutshell, agreement simply means to have mutual understanding between two or more parties.

An agreement can be defined as a formal or informal arrangement between two or more parties where they come to a mutual understanding of their rights, duties, and obligations. Such an agreement can be written or verbal and can be enforced legally.

Agreements are used in various contexts, including business, personal relationships, and legal matters. It is important to note that an agreement must be voluntarily entered into by all parties and should not involve any deceit, coercion, or duress.

In business, agreements can take the form of contracts, whereby two parties agree to do business together. These contracts may include specific terms and conditions such as payment timelines, delivery schedules, and warranties. A contract can be enforced legally if one party fails to adhere to the agreed-upon terms.

In personal relationships, agreements can be informal and may include things such as house rules, chores, and expectations. For instance, roommates may come to an agreement on how to divide household chores so that each person knows their responsibilities.

In legal matters, agreements can refer to settlements reached between two parties in a court case. For example, if two parties are involved in a lawsuit, they may choose to settle out of court and come to an agreement on the amount of money to be paid to the plaintiff.

In conclusion, an agreement is a simple concept that is crucial to communication and building relationships. It is a mutual understanding between two or more parties that involves specific terms and conditions that can be enforced legally if necessary.