President Donald Trump’s aggressive anti-migrant policies have caused concern in Canada, with rights advocates urging the government to stop sending asylum seekers back to the US. The Trump administration has pressured Canada to tighten border security in exchange for avoiding tariffs on Canadian goods. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a $1.3 billion plan to reinforce the border with new technology and personnel to prevent illegal crossings.
The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) between Canada and the US requires asylum seekers to seek protection in the first country they arrive in. This agreement has been expanded to cover the entire border, making it difficult for asylum seekers to access the Canadian asylum system. Despite legal challenges arguing that the US is not a safe place for refugees, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the STCA contains enough safety mechanisms.
Rights advocates argue the STCA pushes asylum seekers to take risky routes and are challenging the agreement on the basis of violating fundamental rights. Meanwhile, in the US, the Trump administration has implemented an effective ban on asylum claims, further restricting access to protection. Concerns remain that the US is not a safe haven for refugees under the current administration.
In the face of these challenges, advocates in both Canada and the US are calling for a reevaluation of policies that impact asylum seekers. They stress the need to uphold obligations to protect those in need of refuge and challenge the perception of the US as a safe place for asylum seekers. As the issue gains attention, Canadians are urged to question their stance on compliance with policies that may harm vulnerable individuals.
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