Canada’s New Immigration Bill Faces Criticism: Is Prime Minister Carney Following Trump’s Lead?

Strong Borders Act Could Make Life Much Harder for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has introduced a tough new immigration law called the Strong Borders Act (Bill C-2). The new law would make it much harder for people to seek asylum in Canada — especially those who crossed the border on foot or have been in the country for more than one year without getting refugee status.

The law has caused a lot of concern among human rights groups and politicians. Many say it is too harsh, unfair, and seems to copy ideas from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

What’s in the New Law?

If passed by Parliament, the Strong Borders Act would bring big changes:

• People who came to Canada after June 2020 and have been in the country for more than one year would not be allowed to apply for refugee protection.

• People who entered between official border crossings would have to apply for asylum within 14 days — or they could be deported.

• The Immigration Minister would get new powers to cancel immigration documents for large groups of peoplewithout needing to go through the courts.

Human rights groups say this law could lead to mass deportations and make Canada a less safe place for refugees.

Is Canada Giving In to U.S. Demands?

Some government officials have said this new bill is also meant to please the U.S. government. In a recent press conference, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said:

“We are addressing concerns raised by the White House. Some parts of our immigration system have been a problem for the U.S., so we’re fixing those issues.”

This has upset many people in Canada, who believe the country should make its own decisions and not follow U.S. immigration policies — especially those connected to Donald Trump, who is known for his harsh treatment of immigrants.

What Human Rights Groups Are Saying

Groups like Amnesty International and the Migrant Rights Network say the new law is dangerous and unfair.

Member of Parliament Jenny Kwan from Vancouver East said:

“This law takes away basic rights. People fleeing danger should be able to ask for safety in Canada. This bill punishes them instead.”

Tim McSorley, from the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, said the bill is too broad. He argued that if the government wants to stop crime or drug trafficking, it should make a separate law for that — not target innocent refugees.

A Big Change for Canada

Canada has always been seen as a country that welcomes refugees and immigrants. But this new law could change that image. Critics say it shows Canada is trying to copy the strict border rules used in the U.S. and Europe.

The law has not yet passed, but it will be voted on in Parliament soon. If approved, it will become one of the biggest immigration changes in Canada’s recent history.