Anticipating a wave of asylum-seekers from the U.S., Canadian officials and aid groups are bolstering preparations to manage an expected rise in border crossings, particularly in Quebec.
The anticipated surge follows President-elect Donald Trump’s firm stance on heightened immigration enforcement, which could prompt more individuals to seek refuge in Canada.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has been strategizing for months, with Sergeant Charles Poirier highlighting concerns that stricter U.S. policies might drive a spike in irregular migration into Canadian territories.
Poirier explained that expanded resources may be necessary, potentially involving hundreds of officers, additional vehicles, and larger patrol areas.
While the well-known Roxham Road entry point at the Quebec-New York border was closed in March under a new agreement between the U.S. and Canada, migrants are now facing more challenging and dangerous routes.
Refugee advocates worry about the heightened risks, as asylum-seekers attempting these crossings must avoid detection for two weeks before they can apply for refugee status.
Abdulla Daoud, director of The Refugee Centre, expressed concerns about the limited safe migration options, cautioning that some people may be forced into desperate measures.
Toronto’s FCJ Refugee Centre, led by Loly Rico, has already seen an increase in demand, with dozens of new arrivals each week.
As temperatures drop, Rico highlighted the hazards for asylum-seekers, recalling last winter’s tragedy when a family lost their lives to freezing conditions near Emerson, Manitoba.
Canada’s immigration system is already managing nearly 250,000 pending asylum cases, a situation advocacy groups say requires immediate action.
Although Immigration Minister Marc Miller mentioned that plans are underway to address the likely increase, he has yet to provide specifics.
As the immigration system faces mounting pressure, both officials and advocacy organizations are urging more robust support to meet the needs of both Canadians and those seeking refuge at the border.
