Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration in Canada, has recently unveiled a strategy to overhaul the country's asylum system. The proposed reform might lead to accelerated processing of cases that are less likely to be successful. This initiative, however, has sparked controversy among specialists and advocates, who express concerns over potential infringements on asylum seekers' right to a fair trial, and potential legal objections.
These proposed changes are consistent with the updated immigration policy of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau has committed to curbing immigration and reducing Canada's population over the forthcoming two years, a move that mirrors the declining public enthusiasm for welcoming newcomers.
The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, an autonomous entity in charge of assessing refugee applications, has been grappling with a surge of claims from those who face dwindling prospects of remaining in the country. Recent records indicate an unprecedented increase in the number of refugee claims in Canada, with over 260,000 cases still pending as of the previous month.
A significant portion of these claims is attributed to foreign students, a demographic that has drawn skepticism from Minister Miller. The forthcoming reforms are designed to prevent these students from exploiting their academic pursuits as a means to secure Canadian residency by lodging refugee claims.
The specific details of these impending modifications are yet to be disclosed. Still, Miller has expressed his interest in considering options for asylum reforms. Nonetheless, the possibility of accelerating the rejection of refugee claims could potentially face legal resistance for undermining the principle of due process.
