US Plans Deportation of Iranian Asylum Seekers to Central African Republic Under New Deal

Two Iranian women who were granted protection by a U.S. immigration judge could be deported to the Central African Republic under a new third-country deportation agreement, according to lawyers involved in the case. The women arrived in the United States in November 2024 and applied for asylum after fleeing Iran.

US Deportation Policy Raises Concerns

The women received withholding of removal, a legal protection granted when a judge determines a person faces a high risk of persecution or torture if returned to their home country. Their attorneys argue that deporting them to a third country undermines that protection.

Officials familiar with the matter said the first flight to the Central African Republic could carry around 20 migrants, including citizens of Iran, Syria and Afghanistan. A Turkish national who also received similar protection may be included on the flight.

Third-Country Deportation Deal Expands

The Trump administration has increasingly relied on third-country deportation agreements to remove migrants who cannot legally be sent back to their countries of origin. Under the arrangement, deportees are expected to stay in apartments in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, rather than being immediately repatriated.

Human Rights and Regional Stability Concerns

Advocates have criticized the policy, especially as tensions remain high following months of conflict involving Iran. Rights groups say many details of the agreements remain unclear.

The International Organization for Migration said it would provide voluntary humanitarian assistance to migrants arriving in Bangui. Officials indicated that hundreds of migrants could eventually be transferred under the agreement.

The Central African Republic, a nation of about 5.5 million people, continues to face economic hardship despite recent peace agreements and ongoing support from international peacekeeping forces.