Irregular Migration in COVID-19 Context

Date Announced:

March 10, 2021

Active Period:

(Declassified content)

Overview:

Proposed Response:
Due to the exceptional circumstances related to COVID-19, the Government of Canada has entered into a temporary, reciprocal, agreement with the United States to prevent entry to Canada of asylum seekers crossing irregularly, between ports of entry, with the intent of making a claim for refugee protection.
This means that asylum claimants entering Canada from the U.S. through any mode of travel, including those who enter between official ports of entry, will be directed back to the U.S. with very few exceptions, including unaccompanied minors, and the other exemptions.
Canada has formally obtained assurance from the U.S. that they will not detain or remove these individuals.
This temporary agreement will be in place until April 20, 2020, and is subject to an extension.
Canada intends to uphold its international commitments and any asylum claimant will subsequently be allowed to have their claims processed in Canada.

Departments and Agencies:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada | Public Safety Canada

Type of Administrative Action:

Immigration Category:

Refugee claimants

Keywords:

irregular crossing; Roxham Rd.;

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