Canadian authorities are closely monitoring the US border as they are bracing for a possible influx of migrants from the US following Donald Trump’s victory in the US Presidential Election 2024. The anticipated surge in migrants is largely driven by Trump’s pledge to carry out extensive deportations, potentially forcing many undocumented individuals, especially those from minority groups, to seek refuge in Canada.
This isn’t coming as a surprise as Trump‘s rhetoric during his campaign, which has often portrayed immigrants negatively, has raised concerns that his immigration policies could lead more people to leave the US.
A spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Sergeant Charles Poirier, told news agency AFP that the authorities are on high alert, with officials closely watching the border. He warned that if Trump’s immigration policies lead to an increase in irregular migration, it could place significant strain on Canada’s resources.
Poirier mentioned the worst-case scenario of large groups of people crossing into Canada, which would require extensive patrols by officers across vast distances to manage.
Is Canada prepared for influx of immigrants?
In response to these concerns, Canadian Deputy Minister Chrystia Freeland met with ministers responsible for addressing potential challenges arising from the new US administration. Following the meeting, she reassured the public that Canada was prepared for a possible rise in asylum-seekers, emphasizing that the country’s borders remain secure and under control.
During Trump’s first term as POTUS, as large number of migrants, including the Haitians who lost US protection, had crossed into Canada. The anticipation also arises from the fact that there has been a surge of online Google searches from Americans looking for information on moving to Canada. However, crossing into Canada outside official checkpoints is illegal and dangerous, especially in the harsh winter months.
Recent rule changes in 2023 have made it more difficult for US-based asylum-seekers to succeed in Canada, and authorities are concerned that a sudden large influx could overwhelm the system. In prior preparation, Canadian police are deploying additional resources, including surveillance cameras, sensors, and drones, along their border.
Canada is already facing an unprecedented number of refugee claims, with nearly 20,000 claims filed in July alone and over 250,000 still pending, as per media reports.
In light of these developments, Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s office emphasised that Canada’s immigration department is planning for all possible scenarios, ensuring that the country’s best interests remain a priority while managing the pressures of increased migration.