Canada Tightens Borders, Limiting U.S. Deportees After 2023 Migrant Surge
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 25
Canada Tightens Borders, Limiting U.S. Deportees After 2023 Migrant Surge
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 25
Summary
Syrians and Haitians facing U.S. deportation after Thursday’s Supreme Court decision are unlikely to find easy refuge in Canada because tighter border rules now sharply restrict asylum access.
Canada’s shift reflects a souring public mood and a botched post-pandemic economic-immigration system, prompting broader curbs on asylum seekers, students and economic migrants.
The Safe Third Country Agreement already lets Canada and the United States return most asylum seekers to the first country they entered, narrowing options for people trying to cross north.
That pact was upheld and strengthened after thousands of migrants—mostly Haitians—came from the United States through Quebec’s Roxham Road in 2023, fueling political pressure for tougher controls.
The clampdown marks a sharp turn from Justin Trudeau’s 2015-era refugee welcome and has helped push Canada’s population into its first decline after years of growth.