December 18th, 2024 at 04:57 am

Canada BIG Border Security Plan | Canada Immigration Update

Canada has committed to enhancing border security with the United States. This announcement comes shortly after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose significant tariffs due to concerns over drug trafficking and undocumented migration.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc spoke to reporters, indicating that the government is ready to make additional investments at the border, although he did not provide specific details.

LeBlanc emphasized the need for stricter measures. He stated that Ottawa would implement greater restrictions to prevent individuals from using Canada as a passage to the U.S. He noted, “We’ll continue to tighten the screws on that process.” This approach aims to maintain the integrity and security of both Canadian and American borders.

LeBlanc’s statements followed a meeting between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and provincial premiers. The premiers raised concerns and demanded action regarding Trump’s tariff threats.

In a recent social media post, Trump warned Canada and Mexico of potential 25-percent import tariffs. He declared these tariffs would remain until drug trafficking, particularly of fentanyl, and illegal migration ceased. Trump insisted that both countries have the power to resolve these long-standing issues.

While the U.S.-Mexico border often garners significant media attention, the situation at the U.S.-Canada border is less covered. Here’s a closer look at the current conditions and challenges.

Border Crossings: Current Statistics

From October 2023 to September 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported nearly 199,000 encounters at the U.S.-Canada border. This number includes individuals caught attempting to enter the U.S. illegally and those deemed inadmissible at official ports of entry. In contrast, CBP recorded over 2.13 million encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border during the same time frame.

Drug Trafficking Trends

Drug seizures at the U.S.-Canada border have declined significantly. Between October 2023 and September 2024, U.S. authorities seized approximately 5,245 kg (11,565 pounds) of drugs, primarily marijuana. This figure is a sharp drop from nearly 25,000 kg (55,101 pounds) seized in the previous year.

Immigration Regulations at the Border

In 2023, the U.S. and Canada expanded a longstanding agreement that allows authorities to expel asylum seekers crossing at unofficial points immediately. The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), established in 2004, mandates that asylum seekers must apply for protection in the first country they enter—either the U.S. or Canada.

Previously, a loophole allowed individuals to seek protection upon reaching Canadian soil. As a result, thousands crossed into Canada during Trump’s first term due to his anti-immigrant policies. Now, the STCA covers the entire U.S.-Canada land border, which spans 6,416 km (3,987 miles). Consequently, individuals can be turned back at any point between official ports of entry.

Who is Crossing the Border?

Recently, as border regulations have tightened, citizens from visa-exempt countries have increasingly used Canada as a route to the United States. In response to rising crossings, the Biden administration asked Canada to impose visa requirements on Mexican nationals. Consequently, Canada reinstated visa measures in February due to an increase in asylum claims from Mexican citizens.

Additionally, asylum seekers whose claims have been rejected by Canada have attempted to enter the U.S. in recent years. Some have resorted to human smugglers, leading to tragic outcomes. For instance, in 2023, a family whose asylum claim was denied drowned while trying to cross the border by boat. They faced deportation back to Romania.

In January 2022, another family from India tragically froze to death in Manitoba while attempting to reach the U.S. on foot during severe winter conditions.

Evaluating the Need for Tariffs

The justification for Trump’s tariff threats is under debate. Lawmakers in both the U.S. and Canada have urged their governments to take action regarding border security. For instance, in September, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators proposed legislation aimed at strengthening security along the northern border. This bill would require the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a thorough Northern Border Threat Analysis.

Senator Maggie Hassan, a Democrat from New Hampshire, co-sponsored the bill. She stated, “The threats at our Northern border are constantly evolving.” She stressed the need for a strategic response to combat transnational criminal organizations flooding U.S. streets with fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.

Responses from Canadian Politicians

While most Canadian politicians oppose the prospect of Trump’s 25-percent tariffs due to potential job losses and economic downturns, some right-wing premiers acknowledge the concerns raised by the U.S. president.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated on social media that the federal government must take the border situation seriously. He suggested that Canada should impose retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. if Trump moves forward with his plans.

Francois Legault, the right-wing premier of Quebec, has called for a more stringent border crackdown. He requested a detailed plan from the federal government to enhance border security. He believes this would help limit illegal entries into Quebec and potentially avoid Trump’s proposed tariffs. Recently, Legault even suggested transferring thousands of asylum seekers out of Quebec to other regions in Canada.

Prime Minister Trudeau faces mounting pressure from both political opponents and constituents. His popularity has declined amid a housing crisis and rising living costs. Recent polls indicate that his Liberal Party trails significantly behind the Conservative Party, ahead of the federal election required by October 2025.

Human Rights Perspectives

Human rights advocates have voiced concerns over the rhetoric surrounding border security. Julia Sande, a campaigner with Amnesty International Canada, described Trump’s comments as vague and misleading. She raised questions about whether the discussions pertain to asylum seekers or illegal activities. Sande asserted that crossing the border to seek asylum is not illegal.

Sande highlighted that the Safe Third Country Agreement forces individuals to cross at unofficial points to seek safety. She believes it is crucial to differentiate between drug trafficking and the movement of people seeking refuge.

Alex Neve, a professor of international human rights law at the University of Ottawa, expressed alarm at Canadian leaders aligning with Trump’s narrative about border security. He criticized the government’s prioritization of border safeguarding in response to Trump’s statements, emphasizing that the actual numbers do not support such fearmongering.

Neve warned that this type of rhetoric can have severe consequences for refugees and migrants, potentially putting lives at risk. He urged Canadian leaders to resist adopting such hyperbolic narratives and instead focus on humane and fact-based immigration policies.

Conclusion

Canada’s commitment to bolster border security comes amid significant pressure from the U.S. and domestic political dynamics. As the government introduces new measures, the implications for asylum seekers and migrants remain a critical concern.

The ongoing dialogue around tariffs and border security continues to evolve, reflecting broader themes of immigration policy, human rights, and international relations. Canadian leaders must navigate these complexities thoughtfully, balancing security with compassion for those seeking refuge.