Immigration Minister Emphasizes Secure Borders, Legal Pathways Amid Potential Increase in Asylum Seekers
Immigration Minister Marc Miller affirmed Canada’s readiness to collaborate with the U.S. in managing potential immigration pressures as President-elect Donald Trump vows to increase deportations. While acknowledging the possible impact on Canadian borders, Miller stressed that only those following legal processes would be welcomed into Canada, underscoring the government’s commitment to maintaining secure borders.
Since last week’s U.S. election, opposition MPs, Quebec Premier François Legault, and immigration lawyers have raised concerns that Trump’s plan could lead to a surge of asylum seekers. With an estimated 11 million undocumented migrants in the U.S., Trump’s hard-line stance, supported by anticipated appointees like Stephen Miller and incoming border czar Tom Homan, aims to prioritize deportations of individuals posing security risks.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers noted that, as seen in past surges, such as the 2017 influx of Haitian asylum seekers, irregular crossings like Roxham Road—closed in 2023 after revisions to the Safe Third Country Agreement—could once again become focal points. Currently, migrants entering Canada illegally and avoiding detection for 14 days can still make asylum claims, a policy immigration lawyers are urging Ottawa to reconsider before Trump’s inauguration in January.
David Matas, a Winnipeg-based immigration lawyer, called for Ottawa to discuss changes to the Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S., citing concerns over incentives for illegal crossings. Vancouver lawyer Richard Kurland echoed the sentiment, warning of potential hardships for those risking unsafe crossings.
Adding to the debate, a recent Nanos poll reveals that a majority of Canadians are in favor of reducing refugee intake amid concerns over housing, healthcare, and other resources. The poll showed 56% support for reducing the number of refugees Canada plans to accept, with 10% favoring an increase.
As Canada plans to accept 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, of which 17% are expected to be refugees or protected persons, concerns over capacity and resources are prominent. Nik Nanos of Nanos Research emphasized that while Canadians are not opposed to immigration, resource shortages are prompting questions about the country’s ability to meet the needs of new arrivals.