Canada’s immigration system is under pressure as the country faces a growing asylum claim backlog and potential surges in irregular migration. Immigration Minister Marc Miller outlined several measures to address these challenges while maintaining Canada’s commitment to refugees and international obligations.
The backlog of asylum claims in Canada has reached a staggering 250,000 cases, overwhelming resources and delaying decisions for genuine refugees. Miller criticized the current system for treating long-term residents who fail to renew their permits the same as new asylum seekers.
“There are many other measures that I will be putting into place to tighten up and limit people’s abilities to abuse the asylum system,” Miller stated. He suggested redirecting resources to prioritize “true cases” within the backlog, ensuring timely decisions for legitimate claimants.
Preparing for Potential Irregular Migration
With the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the U.S. presidency, Canada could see a spike in irregular migration at its southern border. During Trump’s previous term, thousands of asylum seekers crossed into Canada at locations like Roxham Road in Quebec, bypassing the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement.
Miller stressed the need for proactive measures to avoid a repeat of the 2017-2021 migration surge. He emphasized stronger collaboration with U.S. officials and enhanced border enforcement. However, when asked about withdrawing from the Safe Third Country Agreement, Miller remained non-committal, stating that Canada must honor its international obligations.
Miller acknowledged that Canada’s refugee system is built on humanitarian values but emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity. The government plans to implement stricter controls to prevent abuse while continuing to support legitimate asylum seekers.
As Canada navigates these challenges, the federal government’s response will likely include increased funding for asylum processing, tighter regulations, and enhanced border management. These measures aim to balance the country’s humanitarian commitments with practical considerations of capacity and resources.
With public sentiment on immigration under scrutiny, Miller’s approach reflects a commitment to ensuring that Canada’s immigration system remains both fair and sustainable.
