Breaking News: Marc Miller Announces 3 Major Changes to Canada’s Immigration Policy
Canada’s Immigration Reform: A Step Towards a Secure, Fair, and Efficient System
On December 17, 2024, Marc Miller, Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced significant reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency, security, and fairness of the Canadian immigration system. These changes come as a response to growing challenges at the U.S. border and aim to safeguard the integrity of Canada’s immigration framework while promoting orderly migration.
Key reforms include the elimination of the practice known as "flagpoling," where temporary residents leave Canada and re-enter to quickly access immigration services. This practice had strained border resources and disrupted cross-border traffic. Moving forward, temporary residents will need to apply online to extend their stay in Canada, allowing border officers to focus on more critical enforcement activities.
Another major reform addresses immigration document control. The government has proposed amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, granting the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) greater authority to cancel, suspend, or modify immigration documents, such as visas, in cases of fraud or security risks. This will help maintain the integrity of the immigration system and prevent individuals who pose potential risks from entering Canada.
In an effort to curb misuse and fraud within the Express Entry system, the government is removing the additional points awarded for job offers under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. This change aims to reduce the exploitation of the LMIA system and increase fairness in the Express Entry selection process, ensuring that the immigration system prioritizes genuine applicants.
The government has also focused on reducing irregular migration, particularly along the U.S.-Canada border. Under the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), asylum seekers are required to claim refugee status in the first safe country they enter. This agreement, expanded in March 2023 to include the entire land border, has already led to a significant reduction in illegal border crossings, with daily illegal entries dropping from 165 in March 2023 to just 12 per day. Additionally, the partial visa requirement imposed on Mexican nationals in February 2024 has seen a 92% decrease in asylum claims from Mexican citizens.
Collaboration with international partners, particularly the United States, has been a key focus. The Canadian government is working to improve information-sharing mechanisms, strengthen vetting processes for Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA), and propose a North American Joint Strike Force to combat transnational organized crime. Furthermore, Canada plans to establish three regional hubs for law enforcement collaboration to intercept illegal activities more efficiently.
Finally, the government has introduced legislative amendments to allow for swift action in cases of mass fraud or exceptional circumstances, such as suspending or cancelling applications when necessary to protect the integrity of the immigration system.
The results of these efforts are already evident, with a 97% drop in asylum claims from Mexican nationals, a 84% decrease in illegal crossings by Canadian visa holders into the U.S., and a 61% refusal rate for high-risk countries.
As Marc Miller emphasized, attempting to enter Canada irregularly, especially during the harsh winter months, is not only dangerous but will likely render asylum claims inadmissible. Canada remains committed to maintaining an efficient and humane immigration system while safeguarding its borders and public resources.
These reforms represent a significant step in modernizing Canada’s immigration system. By enhancing security, addressing fraudulent practices, and streamlining asylum processes, the government is reinforcing its commitment to a fair, orderly, and efficient immigration framework. These measures will strengthen bilateral relations with the United States and other international partners, ensuring that Canada remains a top destination for those seeking a better life while upholding the integrity of its immigration system.
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