Canada Plans Big Immigration Law Changes To Tackle Border Issues

The Canadian government has introduced a new bill called the Strong Borders Act. This bill aims to tighten immigration rules and give the government more power to manage who enters the country. It also gives police extra tools to monitor Canada's border with the United States.

Government’s goal: stop crime and drug flow

Immigration Minister Lena Diab said the bill will help stop organized crime and reduce the flow of illegal drugs and weapons into Canada. She said it will also make the immigration system stronger and more trustworthy.

One major rule in the bill would stop people who have stayed in Canada for over a year from applying for asylum. The government says this is to prevent misuse of the system.

New deadlines and stronger checks

Under the new rules, people entering from the U.S. must apply for asylum within 14 days if they want their case to be considered. This is based on the Safe Third Country Agreement, which says refugees must apply for asylum in the first safe country they reach.

If someone misses the 14-day window, they can still have their case reviewed through a risk check. This will decide if they would be in danger if sent back.

Powers to suspend and inspect

The new law allows the government to stop processing immigration applications at any time. They can do this if they believe there is a risk to public health or national security.

Another change would let the government open and inspect mail during criminal investigations. This has raised concern among some rights groups, who say it threatens people’s privacy.

Limits on cash and deposits

The bill also targets large cash movements. It would limit cash transactions over C$10,000 and ban people from putting large amounts of cash into someone else's bank account. The goal is to stop illegal money transfers.

Housing crisis and rising pressure

Canada has been welcoming to newcomers in the past. But in recent years, the system has been under pressure. Housing is expensive and public services are stretched thin.

The previous government increased immigration to boost the economy. But this also led to a surge in temporary workers, students, and asylum seekers. Some are still waiting for their cases to be heard after two years.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, who came to power in April, has promised to fix the situation. He said Canada’s current immigration levels are “unsustainable” and need to be balanced better.

Border and trade ties with the US

Part of the bill focuses on stopping drugs like fentanyl and illegal weapons from entering Canada. These have also been concerns for the U.S.

Canada’s public safety minister Gary Anandasangaree said the U.S. had raised these issues before. He plans to meet with U.S. border officials to explain the changes. He said the bill will help in trade talks too, but the law is mainly about keeping Canada safe.

Criticism from rights groups

Some critics, including members of parliament and refugee support groups, have slammed the bill. They say it will harm people who are truly in need. One group even called the law “immoral” and warned that it could lead to mass deportations.