OTTAWA: Canada’s efforts to reduce the number of asylum seekers crossing its border from the United States have yielded unintended consequences, as the overall number of people filing refugee claims in Canada has increased. Many are now arriving by air or entering the country surreptitiously and seeking asylum later to avoid immediate deportation, according to individuals assisting migrants.
While the country has attempted to discourage asylum seekers, last year saw over 39,000 individuals entering Canada via unofficial border crossings, particularly into Quebec from New York. They were attracted by Canada’s reputation for quicker processing and greater acceptance of asylum applications compared to the US.
In March 2023, Canada and the US amended their Safe Third Country Agreement, extending its application to the entire 4,000-mile land border. This led to a significant reduction in the number of people caught at informal border crossings. However, the total number of asylum seekers entering Canada has risen, with 12,010 refugee claims made in July, the highest monthly total since at least January 2017.
Canada Ideal Country for Asylum Seekers
Some of the recent increase is attributed to people filing refugee claims at airports or local immigration offices, often days, weeks, or months after arriving in the country. The top countries of origin for claimants in the first half of the year were Mexico, Haiti, Turkey, Colombia, and India.
Canada is among a decreasing number of countries perceived as offering safe haven to those fleeing war, climate change, and human rights abuses. The situation is prompting more people to consider Canada as an option.
However, individuals seeking asylum in Canada have been taking more creative routes, such as arriving with valid visas and filing claims after the two-week period stipulated in the agreement with the US elapses. Some cross the border undetected, hiding with smugglers until they can file their claims.
While Canada’s asylum system now favors those who can obtain visas and flight tickets, it leaves vulnerable individuals without access to the country’s protection system, creating disparities in the process.
