US deports migrants from Iran, Afghanistan to Central African Republic

The United States has deported a group of about 20 migrants from Afghanistan, Iran and other countries to the Central African Republic, a nation its own government warns Americans not to visit because of violence and instability.

A deportation flight departed Alexandria, Louisiana, and headed for the Central African Republic after a scheduled stop in Ghana, according to reports. The deportees included nationals of Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and Georgia. Among them was an Iranian pro-democracy activist who had fled to the US and been granted legal protection by an American immigration court.

Many of those on board had previously received legal protections in the United States, including "withholding of removal," a status granted to people deemed likely to face persecution or danger if returned to their home countries. Officials argued that such protections only prevent return to a person's country of origin, allowing deportation to a third country willing to accept them.

The Central African Republic has endured decades of armed conflict, human rights abuses and political instability, and carries the US State Department's highest "Level 4" travel advisory, urging Americans not to travel there "for any reason."

Rights advocates criticised the transfers, warning they could place vulnerable people at risk. The case highlighted the expanding use of third-country deportations and the legal and humanitarian questions they raise.