In an effort to address the rising influx of asylum seekers entering Canada, the government implemented a new agreement earlier this year, designed to curb the flow of individuals crossing the border irregularly from the United States.
Initially, the agreement seemed successful, leading to a rapid decline in border crossings. However, the latest data has revealed an unexpected twist. Instead of a decrease in the overall number of asylum seekers, Canada is witnessing a surge in refugee claims, posing significant challenges to the country’s immigration system.
Previously, a considerable number of asylum seekers entered Canada through unofficial border crossings, primarily into Quebec via New York’s Roxham Road. They were drawn by Canada’s reputation for more efficient processing and greater acceptance of asylum applications compared to the U.S.
In response to this situation, Canada and the United States made amendments to their long-standing asylum-seeker pact, the Safe Third Country Agreement, in March. This change extended the agreement’s coverage to the entire length of the countries’ 4,000-mile land border, rather than just designated ports of entry. This led to a sharp decrease in the number of people intercepted at informal crossings.
However, despite the reduction in unofficial border crossings, Canada is now experiencing a surge in the total number of asylum seekers. Data from the immigration, refugees, and citizenship department indicates that the total number of refugee claims in Canada reached 12,010 in July, marking the highest monthly total since at least January 2017 and up from 10,120 in March.
This increase is attributed to more people filing refugee claims at airports or local immigration department offices, often days, weeks, or months after arriving in the country. Some experts suggest that Canada’s reputation as a relatively safe haven amid global pressures such as war, climate change, and human rights violations is driving this influx.
Other countries, including the European Union and the United States, have recently introduced measures to limit asylum claims, making Canada an attractive option for those seeking refuge.
Although the government amended the agreement with the U.S. to address irregular border crossings, some asylum seekers are attempting to bypass the agreement’s two-week rule by crossing undetected and hiding until the exemption period expires. Advocates working with migrants warn that this approach poses risks and encourages individuals to engage with smugglers.
The closure of Canada’s land border has inadvertently shifted the asylum system’s favor toward those who can obtain visas and plane tickets, leaving some of the most vulnerable individuals unable to access Canada’s protection. This has sparked discussions about the equity of this development in Canada’s immigration policies.
Despite the challenges, individuals like Hana Bakhit from Sudan and Grace Nanziri from Uganda continue to view Canada as a beacon of hope and refuge, drawn by its reputation for protecting human rights and providing safety.
Canada faces the complex task of managing its asylum system, balancing its commitment to welcoming immigrants with the practical challenges of dealing with increasing numbers of asylum seekers, even as it seeks to encourage regular immigration to address labor shortages. This situation underscores the difficulty of managing borders while addressing the urgent need for protection faced by those seeking asylum.
