Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab is upholding the newly proposed measures in the Strong Borders Act, including empowering her office to terminate immigration documents collectively and imposing time constraints on asylum seekers for submitting their applications.
Diab emphasized the need for fairness in handling the numerous applications within the system, ensuring that genuine asylum seekers are protected and allowed to remain in Canada. The primary objective of the Strong Borders Act, Bill C-2, introduced in the House of Commons, is to safeguard Canadian sovereignty, fortify border security, and enhance public safety.
The bill entails several revisions to existing legislation, particularly amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to mandate asylum seekers, including students and temporary residents, to lodge claims within a year upon entering the country. Additionally, it would require irregular border crossers to submit asylum claims within 14 days of arrival and expedite voluntary departures by enforcing removal orders on the same day a claim is withdrawn.
Despite the government’s intentions to streamline processes and clear backlogs, concerns have been raised by groups like the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers. They highlight instances where individuals may have legitimate reasons for delayed claims, such as changes in their home country’s political landscape or personal safety concerns.
The proposed changes have sparked debates about potential implications on the workload of the Federal Court, which could face increased challenges if asylum seekers resort to court appeals due to restrictions on the asylum route after one year. Suggestions have been made for alternative approaches, like granting blanket approvals to asylum seekers from high-risk countries.
In response to criticisms, Diab clarified that any mass cancellation decisions would require collective approval by the cabinet and be implemented cautiously, particularly in extraordinary circumstances like health or security risks. The Migrant Rights Network expressed apprehension over the government’s expanded authority to annul immigration documents in bulk, cautioning against potential misuse of power.
As Bill C-2 progresses through Parliament, the focus now shifts to the upcoming committee review stage. The Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers intends to communicate their concerns to the government and present their perspectives when the legislation reaches the committee deliberations stage.