Immigrants Seeking Asylum Ordered to Unknown Countries, Stuck in Limbo

Thousands of immigrants living legally in the U.S. and waiting for asylum rulings were suddenly ordered deported to countries where most have no ties.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:57pm by Ben Kaplan

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A solitary immigrant sits alone in an empty bus station, the warm light and deep shadows creating a pensive, melancholy mood.The uncertainty and isolation felt by immigrants facing deportation to unfamiliar countries is captured in this somber, cinematic scene.San Francisco Today

In recent months, thousands of immigrants living legally in the U.S. and waiting for rulings on their asylum claims were suddenly ordered deported to countries where most have no ties. They are among more than 13,000 immigrants who were living legally in the U.S., waiting for rulings on asylum claims, when they suddenly faced so-called third-country deportation orders, destined for countries where most had no connections. While few have actually been deported, the fear of being sent to an unknown country has caused anxiety and dread in immigrant communities.

Why it matters

This policy shift appears to be an attempt by the administration to instill fear in immigrant communities and potentially drive migrants to abandon their asylum cases and return to their home countries, even if they face danger there. The lack of transparency around the 'Asylum Cooperative Agreements' that allow these third-country deportations raises concerns about due process and human rights.

The details

ICE attorneys have been instructed to file motions to end migrants' asylum claims and deport them to third countries, even if the migrants have no ties there. A ruling from the Justice Department's Board of Immigration Appeals cleared the way for this practice. Over 13,000 migrants have received these third-country deportation orders, with more than half being sent to Honduras, Ecuador or Uganda. However, fewer than 100 are thought to have actually been deported so far due to legal challenges and logistical issues.

  • In mid-March, ICE legal officials told field attorneys to stop filing new motions for third-country deportations tied to asylum cases.
  • In October, a ruling from the Justice Department's Board of Immigration Appeals cleared the way for the expanded use of third-country deportation orders.

The players

Cassandra Charles

A senior staff attorney with the National Immigration Law Center, which has been fighting the administration's mass deportation agenda.

Sarah Mehta

Tracks immigration issues at the American Civil Liberties Union.

Okello Oryem

The Ugandan minister of state for foreign affairs, who stated that no asylum-seeking migrants ordered deported to Uganda have actually arrived.

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What they’re saying

“This administration's goal is to instill fear into people. That's the primary thing.”

— Cassandra Charles, Senior staff attorney, National Immigration Law Center

“Right now they haven't been able to remove that many people. I do think that will change.”

— Sarah Mehta, American Civil Liberties Union

“You can't be doing one, two people at a time. Planeloads -- that is the most effective way.”

— Okello Oryem, Ugandan minister of state for foreign affairs

What’s next

Immigration authorities have halted the filing of new motions for third-country deportations, but the earlier deportation cases are still ongoing. It remains to be seen if this is a permanent shift in policy or a temporary pause.

The takeaway

This policy shift raises serious concerns about due process and human rights, as thousands of immigrants have been ordered deported to countries where they have no ties or connections. The lack of transparency around the 'Asylum Cooperative Agreements' that enable these third-country deportations is particularly troubling and highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability in the immigration system.