bigrus

US and Canada’s stricter border rules leave immigrants with few options

Harry November 9, 2024

Randy Thanthong-Knight
| Bloomberg

Millions of undocumented immigrants, who face the possibility of mass deportation under the administration of US President-Elect Donald Trump, are unlikely to seek refuge in the country’s northern neighbor this time.

During Trump’s first White House term, the 2017 travel ban on Muslim-majority countries, the suspension of refugee intake, and uncertainty about the protection status of Haitians led to a rapid increase in the number of immigrants crossing into Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also welcomed them with open arms, posting on social media: “To those fleeing persecution, terrorism and war, Canadians will welcome you.”

But since then, post-pandemic refugee influxes that have overwhelmed housing systems across Canada have led to the closing of a loophole that allowed refugee claims at irregular entry points such as a rural road north of Plattsburgh, New York. Meanwhile, a rapid influx of foreign students and workers has disrupted Canada’s support for mass immigration and forced Trudeau to drastically restrict arrivals and halt the country’s population growth.

Canada’s shift in policy marks a break from its previous embrace of newcomers and moves its stance on curbing immigration closer to that of the United States and many peer European countries. The report also suggests that although the US and Canada share the world’s longest undefended border, a repeat of the large-scale irregular crossings seen in recent years is now in doubt.

“This sense of panic, this feeling that they are better off in Canada and that they should do whatever it takes to get across the border; This is less likely than before because there are now so many obstacles in their way. “We’re on our way,” said Pia Zambelli, chair of the refugee committee of the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association.

The United States and Canada closed this gap last year, effectively closing their borders and greatly reducing irregular crossings. Under current rules, asylum seekers entering Canada from the U.S. risk being sent back across the border, increasing the likelihood of being detained and deported from the U.S. if they don’t have papers.

Some refugees instead turned to smugglers to help them cross the border and hid for 14 days; At the end of this period, they will be able to apply for asylum in Canada. However, the journey can be dangerous; It requires crossing water bodies or forests and can sometimes occur in cold and harsh weather. While trying to reach the USA last year, St. The drowning of eight immigrants in the St. Lawrence River and the 2022 death of an Indian family of four in Manitoba are examples of how dangerous the journey can be.

Refugee rights advocates are pushing for Canada to cancel the so-called Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States, which allows immigrants to seek asylum in Canada without risking being denied entry.

“This agreement is based on the assumption that the United States is a safe place to return asylum seekers and that their actions will not place Canada in violation of its international legal obligations,” said Julia Sande, Amnesty International Canada lawyer. “Canada also has a duty to monitor the situation. “As of today, we can say that this is not the case.”

Trump’s threat to deport undocumented immigrants has alarmed many economists and businesses. This impact will likely be harshest in industries such as construction, entertainment and hospitality, and in states such as Texas, Florida and California, where immigrants make up the largest share of the workforce.

Many people doubt that deporting immigrants on the scale Trump is proposing is possible. Using U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and even the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 (last used to justify the internment of noncitizens during the World War II era) to carry out his plan, he would likely face court challenges.

Still, some Canadian officials have expressed concern in recent days about the possibility of an increase in refugee numbers after Trump wins a second presidential term. Quebec politicians, who had previously seen the influx from Roxham Road, which runs through upstate New York, were the most vocal.

“The kind of panic and fear-mongering we’re seeing from politicians; there’s no need to raise that kind of alarm,” said Gauri Sreenivasan, co-executive director of the Canadian Council for Refugees. “If we see an increase that wouldn’t surprise us, it won’t come overnight.”

Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Wednesday that the Trudeau government will ensure Canada maintains a “controlled flow of immigrants” into the country. “Our interests are aligned with the United States in ensuring our northern border is secure.”

Canada’s national police force is “working through a variety of scenarios in the event of a sudden increase in irregular migration between official entry points at the Canada-U.S. border,” the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in an email statement. The surges in recent years “have given us the tools and insight necessary to address similar types of events.”