Key Facts

• About 20 migrants from Afghanistan, Iran, Armenia, and Iraq were deported to the Central African Republic.
• The U.S. State Department advises Americans not to travel to the Central African Republic due to violence, crime, and unrest.
• One deportee was an Iranian pro-democracy activist legally protected from being sent back to Iran.
• The activist and others were sent to a country where they have no ties or support networks.
• The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries and has experienced long-term conflict and political instability.
• U.S. immigration rules allow deportation to third countries, where migrants may have no connection.
• President Trump’s administration has increased efforts to deport migrants, including those with legal protections, to third countries.
• Some deportations to African countries have faced criticism because those countries also deal with conflict and insecurity.