This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
Published on July 14, 2019, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales has canceled a meeting with US President Donald Trump, scheduled for July 15, 2019, in Washington.
The decision comes amid speculation over a possible migration deal that would make Guatemala a 'safe third country' for migrants heading to the United States.
Such a deal would require Guatemala to offer asylum to migrants entering its territory on their way to the US border, a move that has sparked opposition from those who fear the country will become a 'dumping ground' for migrants.
Many migrants from Honduras and El Salvador cross Guatemala to reach Mexico on their route to the US border.
Guatemalan officials had acknowledged that talks on a 'safe third country' agreement were underway, leading to the speculation that prompted Morales to cancel the meeting.
The Guatemalan government had announced Morales' visit last week, saying it would touch on immigration and security issues, but never offered details about what Trump and Morales would discuss.
