The Canadian government has introduced the Strong Borders Act, a sweeping immigration reform bill aimed at tightening asylum rules and enhancing border security. Immigration Minister Lena Diab stated the bill targets organized crime and illegal drug and weapon trafficking, while seeking to restore integrity to Canada’s immigration system. The proposed legislation would grant police greater authority at the US-Canada border, expand powers to open mail for criminal investigations, and restrict asylum claims from individuals who have been in Canada for over a year.
Under the new measures, migrants entering Canada from the US under the Safe Third Country Agreement must file an asylum claim within 14 days, or risk ineligibility and possible deportation. Additionally, the law proposes to halt processing of new immigration applications on grounds of public health or national security. It also introduces restrictions on cash transactions exceeding C$10,000, and deposits made by one person into another’s account, in an effort to curb financial crimes.
The legislation has sparked criticism from advocacy groups and opposition parties, with MP Jenny Kwan calling it “alarming” and the Migrant Rights Network labelling it “immoral.” Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree acknowledged the bill addresses longstanding US concerns, including cross-border fentanyl trafficking, which may influence upcoming Canada-US trade talks. While the government argues the bill is vital to manage Canada’s overstretched systems and rising asylum backlog, critics warn it could erode civil liberties and refugee protections.
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