TORONTO – At first glance, the deal struck by Canada this year to stem the movement of asylum seekers from the U.S was as quick success, as within days, the number of individuals stopped at unauthorized crossings along the border decreased to a trickle.
However, review after five months have exposed that the number of individuals claiming refugee status in Canada have increased instead of falling. Many now travel by air, while others slip across the border and lay low until they are able to apply for asylum, Reuters were informed by people working with migrants.
The numbers indicate the difficulty for countries to close doors on distressed individuals and the challenges that unexpected serge in asylum seekers can pose. Hundreds slumbered on the street as they were unable to locate bedding.
An associate professor and acting director of human rights program at the university of Winnipeg Shauna Labman, highlighted the basic reality that closing the border doesn’t resolve the need for protection, it only heightens desperation.
To deal with a serious labour shortfall, Canada aims to fetch a record half a million new permanent residents in in 2025, and prides itself on welcoming immigrants, but have pursued to discourage those applying for asylum, mainly through an agreement with the U.S. however, last year alone in excess of 39,000 asylum seekers arrived in Canada through unofficial crossings – frequently in to Quebec, instigating the province to protest it could not sustain the arrivals. Asylum seekers are attracted by Canada’s tendency for greater acceptance and swifter processing applications compared to U.S.
The new extended pact by Canada and the U.S, has led to a drastic drop in the number of individuals seized at illegal crossings. From 4,173 in March to double digits in April to July.
However, overall number of asylum seekers have surged entering Canada. The number of claims by refugees made in Canada increased in July to 12,010 – highest total for a single month since January 2017, according to information from refugee, immigration and citizenship department.
