July 19, 2018 – The number of asylum seekers crossing the border illegally into Canada from the United States fell to the lowest figure in 12 months in June.
Latest figures show 1,263 people crossed between recognized border points and were intercepted by RCMP officers.
This compares with a monthly peak of 2,560 in April.
In the first six months of the year, 10,744 people crossed the border illegally hoping to claim asylum in Canada.
Source: Government of Canada
The number of asylum seekers has reduced from an average of 83 per day in April to 39 per day in June.
Canada’s federal government hopes the downward trend continues, but accepts it is unpredictable.
“As trends in irregular border crossings are difficult to predict, our extensive outreach campaign continues to dispel misinformation about our asylum system,” a federal government statement said.
“We are ensuring that everyone is aware we have a rigorous system in place and that claiming asylum is not a free ticket into Canada.”
The overwhelming majority of asylum seekers are crossing into Quebec.
Some 10,261 out of the 10,744 have arrived in the French-speaking province, or 96 per cent.
Note: The remaining provinces have recorded zero irregular border crossings
Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen delivered a strong message that ‘those who do not qualify will be removed from Canada’.
“Our top priority is the safety and security of Canadians,” he said.
“There is no free ticket to Canada, and we have delivered that message extensively at home and overseas, with real results.”
Read More
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Canada 2017 Asylum Claim Numbers Break Two-Decade Record
Those who do make it into the asylum process are being issued work permits so they can support themselves in Canada while they wait for hearings.
Figures show 14,314 work permits were issued to asylum claimants in Quebec from April 2017 to May 2018.
Why Are Migrants Crossing The Border From U.S. To Canada?
The original 2017 surge in irregular border crossing came after Trump began his crackdown on migrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in the U.S.
Trump’s latest move to separate children from their parents has led to renewed calls for Canada to suspend the Safe Third Country Agreement.
The Safe Third Country Agreement means asylum seekers who arrive at an official Canada border point from the U.S. are turned away, as both countries are considered safe for refugees.
However, if migrants cross the border at an unrecognized point, they are arrested and enter the Canadian asylum system.
Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act requires the countries considered ‘safe’ to be continually reviewed.
Immigration.ca Managing Partner Colin Singer was recently interviewed on CBC News on the asylum seeker issue. Watch the video here:
How Can Canada Stop Asylum Seekers Crossing Border?
Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.
Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.
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