Montreal, Canada – Donald Trump has been in the White House for less than three weeks, but the United States president has already initiated what many deem a targeted assault on the rights of migrants and refugees. The Republican leader has transferred migrants to the infamous detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; advocated for increased deportations; effectively prohibited asylum; and halted the refugee resettlement program. Trump has also utilized the threat of tariffs to compel his country’s neighbors — Canada and Mexico — to implement stricter measures at their respective borders to curb irregular migration into the US. For Canadian advocates for rights, the anti-migrant policies of the Trump administration are a cause for concern, prompting them to urge Canada to cease returning most asylum seekers who arrive at the Canadian border seeking protection back to the US. Wendy Ayotte, co-founder of Bridges Not Borders, a group that supports refugees and asylum seekers on the Quebec-New York border, stated, “The United States government itself is becoming an agent of persecution of people within its borders.” The Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, recently announced that the Trump administration had agreed to a 30-day suspension of planned tariffs for Canadian goods after promising to enhance border security. Trudeau emphasized that nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are working to protect the border. The Canadian government had previously revealed plans to bolster border security, including investing in drones, helicopters, and other surveillance equipment. Migration at the Canada-US border is already subject to strict regulations, with the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) requiring asylum seekers to seek protection in the first country they arrive in. The agreement has made it increasingly challenging for individuals to access the Canadian asylum system, prompting concerns among rights advocates. Gauri Sreenivasan, co-executive director of the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR), expressed apprehension that the US is no longer a safe place for asylum seekers. The Trump administration’s actions, including an effective ban on asylum claims, have raised doubts about the US’s commitment to protecting those in need of refuge. Anne Dutton, senior counsel at the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies (CGRS), highlighted the concerning restrictions on asylum seekers in the US and the potential for further limitations under the Trump administration. In light of these developments, Canadian advocates emphasize the need for a critical assessment of Canada’s compliance with policies that jeopardize the safety and rights of migrants and refugees.
