2025 Canada is battling a surge in asylum seekers crossing its southern border

Canada is battling a surge in asylum seekers crossing its southern border from the US, as waves spooked by Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration flee north in search of safety.

Data from border officials reveal thousands - many from Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean - are seeking to transit the St-Bernard-de-Lacolle crossing and other posts.

The situation at Canada's southern border, particularly at crossings like Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle in Quebec, has seen a notable increase in asylum seekers attempting to enter from the United States, largely driven by fears of stricter immigration policies under the Trump administration. Here’s a detailed look at the issue based on available information:

Context and Trends

• Surge in Asylum Claims: Canadian border officials, particularly at the Lacolle crossing south of Montreal, have reported a steady rise in asylum claims in 2025. For instance, data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) indicates 557 asylum claims were recorded at Lacolle in the first six days of April 2025 alone, nearly matching the total for all of January 2025. This reflects a significant uptick compared to earlier periods, though overall claims in 2025 (5,246 as of April 6) are down 53% compared to 11,118 for the same period in 2024, when airports were a primary entry point.cbc.ca
• Demographics: Asylum seekers are diverse, originating from countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Cameroon, China, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Iran, Russia, and Afghanistan, as well as those displaced by the war in Ukraine. Many are fleeing violence, persecution, or economic instability in their home countries, with some initially entering the U.S. before heading north.rescue.org
• U.S. Policy Impact: The Trump administration’s immigration policies, including Proclamation 10888 issued on January 20, 2025, have severely restricted asylum access at the U.S. southern border, declaring arrivals an “invasion” and suspending asylum protections indefinitely. This has prompted fears among migrants in the U.S., particularly those from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, whose temporary protected status was revoked for 532,000 individuals, pushing many to seek refuge in Canada.rescue.orgcbc.ca

Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA)

• Agreement Overview: The STCA, expanded in March 2023, requires asylum seekers to claim protection in the first “safe” country they enter (U.S. or Canada), applying to the entire 4,000-mile land border, including unofficial crossings like the former Roxham Road route. Asylum seekers caught within 14 days of crossing are returned to the U.S. unless they qualify for exemptions, such as having close family in Canada, being unaccompanied minors, or facing the death penalty in their home country or the U.S.pbs.orgusahello.orgcanada.ca
• Impact on Crossings: The STCA’s expansion has reduced irregular crossings at places like Roxham Road, with interceptions dropping to double digits from April to July 2023 compared to 4,173 in March 2023. However, overall asylum claims in Canada have risen, with many now entering via airports or filing claims after hiding in Canada for 14 days to bypass STCA restrictions. In July 2023, Canada recorded 12,010 refugee claims, the highest monthly total since at least January 2017.reuters.com
• Challenges and Criticism: Rights advocates argue the STCA pushes asylum seekers toward riskier routes, increasing reliance on smugglers and endangering lives, as seen in cases like a family of four freezing to death near Emerson, Manitoba, in 2022. Groups like Amnesty International Canada and the Canadian Council for Refugees have called for Canada to withdraw from the STCA, citing the U.S.’s restrictive policies as evidence it is no longer a “safe” country for asylum seekers.amnesty.cacsmonitor.comaljazeera.com

Canadian Response

• Border Security Measures: Canada has invested C$1.3 billion to strengthen border security, including 60 new drones, surveillance towers, and increased removals (from 16,000 to 20,000 annually for 2025-2027). The CBSA has also ended “flagpoling” (exiting and re-entering Canada for immigration services), reducing such activity by 86%.bbc.comcanada.ca
• Processing and Returns: In April 2025, 359 people were found ineligible for asylum in Canada and returned to the U.S., up from 180 in April 2024, reflecting stricter enforcement. Despite this, some asylum seekers successfully enter by proving family ties or waiting out the 14-day STCA period.bbc.comusahello.org
• New Infrastructure: Canada is planning a new processing center at Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle to handle potential surges, part of broader contingency plans to manage increased asylum claims.financialpost.com

Sentiment and Political Context

• Public and Political Reactions: Posts on X reflect concern about the surge, with some framing it as a crisis driven by U.S. policies, citing a reported 400% increase in asylum seekers from the U.S. Others criticize Canada’s border policies, with former officials like Stockwell Day alleging that CBSA officers are under pressure to allow irregular entries.
• Concerns About Capacity: Canadian officials and advocates express uncertainty about handling a potential large-scale influx, with border unions noting staffing shortages and inadequate training for non-CBSA officers patrolling borders.cbc.ca

Risks and Humanitarian Concerns

• Dangerous Crossings: The closure of unofficial crossings like Roxham Road has led some migrants to attempt riskier routes, increasing the likelihood of human smuggling and dangerous winter crossings.csmonitor.comreuters.com
• Legal and Humanitarian Challenges: Advocates argue that Canada’s adherence to the STCA, combined with U.S. policies, violates migrants’ rights to seek asylum. Legal challenges against the STCA are ongoing, with a federal court set to review equal protection arguments in 2025.aljazeera.com

Conclusion

The surge in asylum seekers at Canada’s southern border reflects a complex interplay of U.S. policy shifts, the STCA’s restrictions, and Canada’s efforts to balance security and humanitarian obligations. While border enforcement has tightened, the increase in claims at official crossings like Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle and via airports suggests migrants are adapting to restrictions, often at great personal risk. The situation remains fluid, with Canada preparing for potential further increases while facing criticism for its role in the STCA. For the latest updates, monitoring sources like CBC News or Canada.ca is advisable, as developments are ongoing.