In a significant shift, the Canadian government is taking a tougher stance on immigration, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration cracking down on illegal immigration ahead of an expected election next year. The move comes as Trudeau faces mounting pressure from voters to address concerns over immigration and its impact on the country.
Canada has seen a notable increase in visa rejections and border turnbacks, with an average of nearly 4,000 people being turned away each month in 2024. This trend is attributed to the government’s efforts to tighten its immigration policies and address concerns over housing costs and shortages.
Trudeau’s liberal government, once known for its welcoming stance on immigration, is now facing criticism from conservatives, who are leading in polls by 22 percent. The issue of immigration has become a key concern for Canadians, with many blaming the country’s immigration laws for the current housing crisis.
In July, Canada turned away 5,853 foreign travelers, including students, workers, and tourists, citing that they were “allowed to leave.” Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated in an August report that Canadians want a system that is “not out of control.”
Trudeau has previously criticized the US approach to immigration, stating that the separation of migrant families at the border is “wrong.” However, his own government is now facing criticism for its handling of immigration, with some arguing that the new policies are too restrictive.
Meanwhile, the US is experiencing its own immigration challenges, with the Biden-Harris Administration on track to reach 10 million encounters at the southern border by the end of the fiscal year 2024. Customs Border and Protection data shows that encounters at the southern border ports of entry increased by nearly 100 percent in April 2024 compared to April 2021.
