Even before Donald Trump’s victory in the United States presidential election, Canada had already begun to close its doors to migrants. Now, organizations that work with refugees fear that new Canadian and White House policies will push asylum seekers into desperate and dangerous solutions.
Before him collapse in the pollsCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been embarking on a 180-degree turn for more than a year with respect to the immigration policies that brought him to power.
In 2017, when Trump first became president of the United States and implemented measures to expel thousands of refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority countriesTrudeau posted on social media: “To those fleeing persecution, terror, war, Canadians will welcome you regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength.”
Seven years later, the millions Trump has threatened to deport once he returns to the White House in January 2025 You will not find another welcoming message of the Canadian Prime Minister. Quite the opposite.
“The reality is that not everyone is welcome here,” declared Trudeau’s Immigration Minister on November 12, Marc Millerconsidered one of those closest to Trudeau. A message that is causing fear and serious concern among organizations that work with refugees and migrants in Canada.
We had a great time today at our annual retreat. Thank you all for your participation and the positive energy you brought to the presentations and activities! And a special shout-out to Carolina Gajardo for her excellent facilitation during today’s meeting. Thank you, Carolina! pic.twitter.com/1lrv4I9faf
— FCJ Refugee Center (@RefugeeCentre) November 5, 2024
Loly Rico, founder of the FCJ Refugee Centre, one of the organizations that since 1991 has done the most work in defense of refugees, told EFE that if the change observed in Trudeau is bad, what can come next is terrifying.
“We are really worried because if the doors to migration have been closed with the Trudeau government, if the government changes it will be much worse,” he explained.
Rico was referring to the possible coming to power in Canada of Pierre Poilievre, the current leader of the Conservative Party, and whom polls systematically place up to 20 points ahead of Trudeau and his Liberal Party. A politician who since he took charge of the conservatives at the end of 2022 has noted for his radical populism.
Rico, who came to Canada as a Salvadoran refugee with her husband and co-founder of FCJ Refugee Centre, Francisco Rico Martínez, added that since Trump’s election victory, The number of people requesting information has multiplied on how to apply for asylum in Canada.
A border practically closed for asylum seekers
Polls and pressure from Poilievre have pushed Trudeau to close the border. It all started in 2023 when Ottawa renegotiated with Washington the so-called ‘safe third country agreement’, which prevented a person from reaching a Canadian border post from the United States and requesting asylum, but did allow it if they entered through an irregular passage. A reform implemented that year ended that legal loophole.
Additional measures announced in recent weeks by Ottawa will mean that, in 2025 alone, around 1.2 million temporary residentsbetween workers and students, will have to leave Canada. Additionally, Canada will reduce the number of immigrants by up to 27 percent over the next three years.
Rico fears that all these policies will cause more people to try to cross the border between the United States and Canada irregularly, especially in the coming months during the harsh Canadian winter.
Trump, Peña Nieto and Trudeau signed the T-MEC (Cuartoscuro) expand
“They are going to cross in the cold, without protection, more vulnerable to traffickers. Because mobility has never been stopped by either Trump’s walls in the south or policy changes in the north,” he explained. And he recalled how in 2022 an Indian family of four, including their 11-year-old daughter and three-year-old son, froze to death while trying to cross the border in the middle of winter.
Rhetoric that may force Canada to close their immigration policies even more.
SNGZ
Marc Miller: While our policies aim to balance safety and compassion, we recognize that they can create barriers for asylum seekers. We are committed to finding ways to improve the system, including enhancing support for those at our border and exploring options to streamline the process for vulnerable individuals. It’s essential to keep addressing these challenges while maintaining national security.
1. Introduction: Could you please introduce yourselves and share your perspectives on the current immigration policies of Canada and its impact on migrants seeking asylum?
Loly Rico: My name is Loly Rico, and I am the founder of the FCJ Refugee Centre in Canada. I am originally from El Salvador and came to Canada as a refugee with my husband Francisco Rico Martínez. We have been working for over three decades to support refugees and migrants seeking asylum in Canada. Our organization has witnessed the changing landscape of Canada’s immigration policies, and we are worried about their potential impact on vulnerable populations.
Marc Miller: I am Marc Miller, the Canadian Immigration Minister. As a government official, I am responsible for overseeing and implementing Canada’s immigration policies, which are aimed at ensuring the safety and security of our nation while remaining open-minded and welcoming to those seeking refuge.
2. Current Immigration Policies: Can you explain the current immigration policies of Canada regarding migrants and refugees? How have these policies changed over the years, and what are the factors influencing these changes?
Loly Rico: Canada has always prided itself on being a welcoming nation, but over the years, we have seen a gradual shift in policies. The recent increase in asylum seekers from the United States following the election of President Trump has put pressure on the Canadian government to tighten its borders. Additionally, the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, has been pushing for stricter immigration policies, which has influenced the Liberal government’s decisions.
Marc Miller: As per our existing policies, we have implemented measures such as the ‘safe third country agreement’ that prevent people from claiming asylum if they entered the country via an authorized border post from the US. Also, we have seen a rise in irregular crossings, and to curb this, we are planning to reduce our immigration intake by 20 percent. These policies are necessary to ensure Canada’s national security and economic stability.
3. Impact on Asylum Seekers: How are the current immigration policies affecting asylum seekers’ access to Canada? What challenges do they face, especially during harsh winter months?
Loly Rico: The current policies are
