Immigration Announcement
Strong Borders Bill Raises Concerns for Asylum Seekers in Canada
Canada has long been known as a safe place for those fleeing persecution. But the proposed Strong Borders Bill (Bill C-2) is raising concerns that some genuine asylum seekers, including foreign dissidents, human rights defenders, and journalists, could be left without protection.
The debate is not about closing doors entirely. Instead, it’s about whether the bill’s wording may unintentionally block people with real fears of persecution from accessing Canada’s asylum system.
What the Bill Proposes
Bill C-2 seeks to tighten Canada’s immigration rules, including asylum procedures. A key element is the one-year rule, which requires people to claim asylum within a year of entering Canada.
However, the draft law starts counting this period from a person’s first entry into Canada not their most recent visit. That means someone who visited as a child, student, or guest speaker years ago could now be barred from seeking protection if they face new persecution in their home country.
Example Scenarios
- A journalist who came to Canada in 2018 to attend a media freedom conference, later targeted by their government, might not qualify.
- A political dissident who visited family in Canada years earlier but now faces imprisonment at home could be denied a hearing.
- LGBTQ+ activists who once traveled for tourism or studies could be blocked despite facing threats today.
Why Experts Are Concerned
Legal experts and refugee advocates warn that the current draft could have unintended consequences:
- It may prevent genuine dissidents from finding safe haven.
- Unlike the U.S., which applies the one-year bar from the most recent entry and provides exceptions, Canada’s version is stricter.
- Innocent past visits, even vacations, could count against applicants today.
Immigration lawyer Warda Shazadi Meighen has called for “a clear carve-out” for dissidents and others fleeing violence or state persecution. Similarly, the Canadian Council for Refugees argues there should be no time limit on the right to seek protection.
A Call for Balance
Canada faces a complex challenge: strengthening border integrity while remaining true to its humanitarian values. Experts believe the solution lies in clear exceptions for those at genuine risk.
Possible safeguards include:
- Allowing asylum claims based on the most recent entry, not first.
- Creating special exemptions for dissidents, journalists, and human rights activists.
- Building a discretionary review mechanism for exceptional cases.
The Strong Borders Bill has sparked a much-needed conversation about how Canada balances border policy with compassion. While the government aims to streamline the asylum system, the risk of leaving behind persecuted dissidents, journalists, and activists cannot be overlooked.
Canada has built a global reputation for offering protection to those most in need. By refining the language of Bill C-2 and creating exceptions for vulnerable groups, the government can strengthen both security and humanity.
For many around the world, Canada represents hope. Ensuring that hope remains alive, especially for those fleeing persecution, is not only possible but essential for the future of Canadian immigration.
