Bill C-2 Will Reshape Canada’s Immigration System: Key Changes
On June 4, 2025, the Canadian government introduced Bill C-2, known as the Strong Borders Act, aiming to overhaul the nation's immigration system and border security measures. While the bill encompasses various aspects, this post focuses exclusively on the proposed changes affecting Canada's immigration system.
Key Immigration Reforms in Bill C-2
1. Restrictions on Asylum Claims
Bill C-2 proposes significant limitations on asylum eligibility. Individuals who have been in Canada for over a year without filing a refugee claim would be disqualified from seeking asylum, with this provision applied retroactively to June 24, 2020. Instead, these individuals would undergo a pre-removal risk assessment, which historically has a lower approval rate compared to full refugee hearings.
In addition, asylum claims from people who enter Canada from the United States between land border ports of entry and make a claim more than 14 days after entering the country would not be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). This measure appears aimed at deterring irregular migration through unofficial border crossings.
2. Authority to Suspend or Cancel Immigration Applications
The legislation grants the government the power to:
Cancel, suspend, or change groups of immigration documents immediately;
Pause the acceptance of new immigration applications;
Pause or cancel the processing of applications already in the inventory.
These new authorities are framed as tools to address emerging migration patterns or security concerns. However, they raise important questions about fairness, due process, and the potential impact on applicants already in Canada or with time-sensitive applications.
3. Enhanced Information Sharing with the U.S.
The bill facilitates increased intelligence sharing between Canadian and U.S. authorities, particularly concerning immigration and border security. This collaboration aims to strengthen the integrity of both countries' immigration systems.
Implications and Criticisms
While the government asserts that Bill C-2 will bolster national security and maintain the integrity of the immigration system, it has faced criticism from human rights advocates and legal experts. Concerns have been raised about potential violations of international refugee agreements and the risk of vulnerable individuals being deported without due process.
Conclusion
Bill C-2 represents a significant shift in Canada's approach to immigration, emphasizing security and system integrity. As the legislation progresses through the parliamentary process, its potential impact on asylum seekers and the broader immigration landscape will be closely monitored.
