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New Rules Block Asylum-Seekers from Entering Canada

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New Rules Block Asylum-Seekers from Entering Canada

At midnight on March 25, new rules took effect.

New Rules Block Asylum-Seekers from Entering Canada

They prevent migrants from entering Canada at unofficial border crossings.

Multiple Choice

migrant:

• involving two groups of people or two countries

• the act of treating somebody in a cruel and unfair way, especially because of their race, religion or political beliefs

• a person who moves from one place to another in order to find work or better living conditions

• a mistake in the way a law, contract, etc. has been written that enables people to legally avoid doing something that the law, contract, etc. had intended them to do

New Rules Block Asylum-Seekers from Entering Canada

That brought to a sudden halt a steady stream of refugees.

Multiple Choice

refugee:

• protection that a government gives to people who have left their own country, usually because they were in danger for political reasons

• a person who has been forced to leave their country or home, because there is a war or for political, religious or social reasons

• involving two groups of people or two countries

• the act of treating somebody in a cruel and unfair way, especially because of their race, religion or political beliefs

New Rules Block Asylum-Seekers from Entering Canada

They had been crossing into Canada via Roxham Road every day over the past few years, hoping to claim asylum in Canada.

Multiple Choice

asylum:

• protection that a government gives to people who have left their own country, usually because they were in danger for political reasons

• the act of treating somebody in a cruel and unfair way, especially because of their race, religion or political beliefs

• the act of treating somebody in a cruel and unfair way, especially because of their race, religion or political beliefs

• the act of treating somebody in a cruel and unfair way, especially because of their race, religion or political beliefs

Refugees and Canada - The Canada - U.S. Border

The Canada-United States border is officially known as the International Boundary. It is the longest international border in the world between two countries.

Refugees and Canada - The Canada - U.S. Border

The Canada-United States border is officially known as the International Boundary. It is the longest international border in the world between two countries.

The 8891-kilometre boundary is undefended. Along most of its length, there are no physical markers or barriers.

Refugees and Canada - The Canada - U.S. Border

The Canada-United States border is officially known as the International Boundary. It is the longest international border in the world between two countries.

The 8891-kilometre boundary is undefended. Along most of its length, there are no physical markers or barriers. However, it is illegal to cross the boundary outside of border controls – special crossings located on key roads between the two countries, as well as at many airports, seaports, and certain train stations.

Refugees and Canada

Since 1980, Canada has accepted over one million refugees.

Refugees and Canada

Most entered this country legally.

They came one of two ways.

Refugees and Canada

1) Some were resettled by the government.

2) Others sought asylum after making their own way to Canada.

Refugees and Canada - 1) resettled by the government.

Canadian officials travelled to refugee camps in other nations.

Refugees and Canada - 1) resettled by the government.

Canadian officials travelled to refugee camps in other nations.

There, they screened applicants wishing to live in Canada.

Refugees and Canada - 1) resettled by the government.

Canadian officials travelled to refugee camps in other nations.

There, they screened applicants wishing to live in Canada.

A combination of government and private aid then brought those who were approved to our shores.

Refugees and Canada - 2) making their own way to Canada.

Some made their claim at an official border crossing.

Refugees and Canada - 2) making their own way to Canada.

Some made their claim at an official border crossing.

Others did so after legally entering Canada to study, work, or visit.

Refugees and Canada - 2) making their own way to Canada.

Some made their claim at an official border crossing.

Others did so after legally entering Canada to study, work, or visit.

Refugees also entered Canada illegally

Refugees and Canada - 2) making their own way to Canada.

Some made their claim at an official border crossing.

Others did so after legally entering Canada to study, work, or visit.

Refugees also entered Canada illegally.

They simply walked across the Canada-U.S. boundary outside of border controls.

Refugees and Canada -The Safe Third Country Agreement

Why would they do this, when legal options exist?

Refugees and Canada -The Safe Third Country Agreement

Why would they do this, when legal options exist?

Because of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA).

Refugees and Canada -The Safe Third Country Agreement

Why would they do this, when legal options exist?

Because of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA).

The STCA is a bilateral pact between Canada and the U.S. It was signed in 2002.

Multiple Choice

bilateral:

• the fact of a lot of people arriving from somewhere

• an official document or mark in your passport that allows you to enter or leave a country for a specific purpose or period of time

• : too large or too small when compared with something else

• involving two groups of people or two countries

Refugees and Canada -The Safe Third Country Agreement

Why would they do this, when legal options exist?

Because of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA).

The STCA is a bilateral pact between Canada and the U.S. It was signed in 2002.

Refugees and Canada -The Safe Third Country Agreement

Why would they do this, when legal options exist?

Because of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA).

The STCA is a bilateral pact between Canada and the U.S. It was signed in 2002.

It requires refugees to claim asylum in the first of the two countries they arrive at.

Refugees and Canada -The Safe Third Country Agreement

That affected refugees who are already in the U.S.

Refugees and Canada -The Safe Third Country Agreement

That affected refugees who are already in the U.S.

If they legally entered Canada and then claimed refugee status, we turned them away.

Refugees and Canada -The Safe Third Country Agreement

That affected refugees who are already in the U.S.

If they legally entered Canada and then claimed refugee status, we turned them away.

But there was a loophole.

Multiple Choice

loophole:

• an official document or mark in your passport that allows you to enter or leave a country for a specific purpose or period of time

• a mistake in the way a law, contract, etc. has been written that enables people to legally avoid doing something that the law, contract, etc. had intended them to do

• the fact of a lot of people arriving from somewhere

• a person who moves from one place to another in order to find work or better living conditions

Refugees and Canada -The Safe Third Country Agreement

That affected refugees who are already in the U.S.

If they legally entered Canada and then claimed refugee status, we turned them away.

But there was a loophole.

Until that loophole was closed in March, refugees who entered Canada illegally could apply for asylum.

Refugees and Canada -The Safe Third Country Agreement

As a result, between 2017 and 2022, over 81,000 refugees entered Canada at irregular crossings.

Refugees and Canada -The Safe Third Country Agreement

As a result, between 2017 and 2022, over 81,000 refugees entered Canada at irregular crossings.

Mainly they came into Manitoba and Quebec.

Refugees and Canada -The Safe Third Country Agreement

In January 2023 alone, a record high 5000 migrants made their way here from Roxham Road, the most popular illegal crossing point.

Refugees and Canada -The Safe Third Country Agreement

In January 2023 alone, a record high 5000 migrants made their way here from Roxham Road, the most popular illegal crossing point.

Roxham Road is on the Quebec-New York state border.

Refugees and Canada -Seeking shelter

Why do some refugees want to claim asylum in Canada rather than the U.S.?

Refugees and Canada -Seeking shelter

Why do some refugees want to claim asylum in Canada rather than the U.S.?

Many view our country as more sympathetic to their plight.

Refugees and Canada -Seeking shelter

Why do some refugees want to claim asylum in Canada rather than the U.S.?

Many view our country as more sympathetic to their plight.

Why?

Refugees and Canada -Seeking shelter

In part it is because of something Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted in 2017.

Refugees and Canada -Seeking shelter

In part it is because of something Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted in 2017.

“To those fleeing persecution, terror and war, Canadians will welcome you," he wrote.

Multiple Choice

persecution:

• the act of treating somebody in a cruel and unfair way, especially because of their race, religion or political beliefs

• involving two groups of people or two countries

• a mistake in the way a law, contract, etc. has been written that enables people to legally avoid doing something that the law, contract, etc. had intended them to do

• an official document or mark in your passport that allows you to enter or leave a country for a specific purpose or period of time

Refugees and Canada -Seeking shelter

Since then, migrants from as far away as Afghanistan and Brazil have made their way to Roxham Road.

Refugees and Canada -Seeking shelter

Since then, migrants from as far away as Afghanistan and Brazil have made their way to Roxham Road.

However, most came from countries like Haiti, Venezuela, Mexico, and Colombia.

Refugees and Canada -Seeking shelter

Since then, migrants from as far away as Afghanistan and Brazil have made their way to Roxham Road.

However, most came from countries like Haiti, Venezuela, Mexico, and Colombia.

They said they were escaping gang violence or other crushing social conditions in their native lands.

Refugees and Canada -Seeking shelter

Bridges Not Borders is a non-profit group that helped support asylum seekers at Roxham Road.

Refugees and Canada -Seeking shelter

Bridges Not Borders is a non-profit group that helped support asylum seekers at Roxham Road.

These volunteers said many migrants can't wait to step on Canadian soil.

Refugees and Canada -Seeking shelter

Bridges Not Borders is a non-profit group that helped support asylum seekers at Roxham Road.

These volunteers said many migrants can't wait to step on Canadian soil.

“Many of them just start to run," said one. "They’re so focused on what they need to do. Just, ‘Gotta get into Canada.’”

Refugees and Canada -A stressed-out Quebec

Of course, Canadians want to shelter people facing danger and tragedy.

Refugees and Canada -A stressed-out Quebec

Of course, Canadians want to shelter people facing danger and tragedy.

But this flood of illegal migrants stretched our resources to the limit.

Refugees and Canada -A stressed-out Quebec

Of course, Canadians want to shelter people facing danger and tragedy.

But this flood of illegal migrants stretched our resources to the limit.

Quebec has been impacted the most.

Refugees and Canada -A stressed-out Quebec

Of course, Canadians want to shelter people facing danger and tragedy.

But this flood of illegal migrants stretched our resources to the limit.

Quebec has been impacted the most.

Some 40,000 migrants poured across the border in 2022. All but 369 ended up in that province.

Refugees and Canada -A stressed-out Quebec

In February, Quebec Premier François Legault wrote a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau in protest.

Refugees and Canada -A stressed-out Quebec

In February, Quebec Premier François Legault wrote a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau in protest.

“Quebec has taken on a completely disproportionate share of Canada’s asylum seekers,” he said.

Multiple Choice

disproportionate:

• an official document or mark in your passport that allows you to enter or leave a country for a specific purpose or period of time

• the fact of a lot of people arriving from somewhere

• the act of treating somebody in a cruel and unfair way, especially because of their race, religion or political beliefs

• too large or too small when compared with something else

Refugees and Canada -A stressed-out Quebec

In February, Quebec Premier François Legault wrote a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau in protest.

“Quebec has taken on a completely disproportionate share of Canada’s asylum seekers,” he said.

"This influx cannot continue. Quebec’s capacity to receive refugees has been exceeded,” he added.

Multiple Choice

influx:

• an official document or mark in your passport that allows you to enter or leave a country for a specific purpose or period of time

• too large or too small when compared with something else

• the fact of a lot of people arriving from somewhere

• involving two groups of people or two countries

Refugees and Canada -A stressed-out Quebec

Mr. Legault said that Quebec could no longer guarantee necessary services for the newcomers.

Refugees and Canada -A stressed-out Quebec

Mr. Legault said that Quebec could no longer guarantee necessary services for the newcomers.

He said migrants were “increasingly becoming homeless.”

Refugees and Canada -A stressed-out Quebec

Mr. Legault said that Quebec could no longer guarantee necessary services for the newcomers.

He said migrants were “increasingly becoming homeless.”

And he demanded that Ottawa pay the province back for all costs related to welcoming and integrating migrants in 2021 and 2022.

Refugees and Canada -A stressed-out Quebec

Mr. Legault said that Quebec could no longer guarantee necessary services for the newcomers.

He said migrants were “increasingly becoming homeless.”

And he demanded that Ottawa pay the province back for all costs related to welcoming and integrating migrants in 2021 and 2022.

That could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars.

Refugees and Canada - A bureaucratic mess

The federal government did try to ease Quebec’s burden last summer

Refugees and Canada - A bureaucratic mess

The federal government did try to ease Quebec’s burden last summer.

It sent newcomers to other communities across Canada. But then those places ended up struggling, too.

Refugees and Canada - A bureaucratic mess

The federal government did try to ease Quebec’s burden last summer.

It sent newcomers to other communities across Canada. But then those places ended up struggling, too.

It was hard to absorb all the people landing on their doorstep.

Refugees and Canada - A bureaucratic mess

Another problem? All these arrivals have overloaded Canada’s immigration system.

Refugees and Canada - A bureaucratic mess

Another problem? All these arrivals have overloaded Canada’s immigration system.

It can now take up to two years to process a person’s request for asylum.

Refugees and Canada - A bureaucratic mess

Another problem? All these arrivals have overloaded Canada’s immigration system.

It can now take up to two years to process a person’s request for asylum.

Worse, asylum-seekers used to have to wait about three months to get papers allowing them to work. Now, that has stretched to as long as two years.

Refugees and Canada - The loophole closes

So, in late March, U.S. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau closed the loophole in the STCA.

Refugees and Canada - The loophole closes

So, in late March, U.S. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau closed the loophole in the STCA.

Under the new deal, Canada will expand its refugee program to accept 15,000 more legal migrants.

Refugees and Canada - The loophole closes

In exchange, refugees who arrive at Roxham Road will be turned back to the U.S.

Refugees and Canada - The loophole closes

In exchange, refugees who arrive at Roxham Road will be turned back to the U.S.

They will be told to make their asylum claims there, unless they have family members with legal status in Canada.

Refugees and Canada - The loophole closes

In exchange, refugees who arrive at Roxham Road will be turned back to the U.S.

They will be told to make their asylum claims there, unless they have family members with legal status in Canada.

Unaccompanied minors and people with Canadian visas or work permits can also still apply here.

Multiple Choice

visa:

• too large or too small when compared with something else

• an official document or mark in your passport that allows you to enter or leave a country for a specific purpose or period of time

• the fact of a lot of people arriving from somewhere

• : the act of treating somebody in a cruel and unfair way, especially because of their race, religion or political beliefs

Refugees and Canada - The loophole closes

In exchange, refugees who arrive at Roxham Road will be turned back to the U.S.

They will be told to make their asylum claims there, unless they have family members with legal status in Canada.

Unaccompanied minors and people with Canadian visas or work permits can also still apply here.

Those who are sent back to the U.S. can't make an asylum claim in Canada in the future.

Refugees and Canada - The loophole closes

Meanwhile, those who manage to cross into Canada illegally will have a waiting period.

Refugees and Canada - The loophole closes

Meanwhile, those who manage to cross into Canada illegally will have a waiting period.

They must be in the country for 14 days before they can claim asylum.

Refugees and Canada - Is this what we want?

The new rules may solve some problems. However, critics say they will create others.

Refugees and Canada - Is this what we want?

The new rules may solve some problems. However, critics say they will create others.

One big concern? Smugglers will be the winners.

Refugees and Canada - Is this what we want?

The new rules may solve some problems. However, critics say they will create others.

One big concern? Smugglers will be the winners.

They make money helping migrants avoid border agents.

Refugees and Canada - Is this what we want?

How? By bringing them through dangerous crossing routes.

Refugees and Canada - Is this what we want?

How? By bringing them through dangerous crossing routes.

"This is what we are going to see in Canada. This is what our country is becoming," said Wendy Ayotte of Bridges Not Borders.

Refugees and Canada - Is this what we want?

How? By bringing them through dangerous crossing routes.

"This is what we are going to see in Canada. This is what our country is becoming," said Wendy Ayotte of Bridges Not Borders.

"The government has gone down a very tired and dangerous route. [It] is trying to turn our border into a militarized zone. We are going to see people crossing in very unsafe conditions."