Canada Unveils Major Immigration & Security Bill: The Strong Borders Act

 Purpose of the New Bill

The Canadian government introduced the Strong Borders Act to:

• Tackle organized crime
• Stop the flow of illegal drugs and weapons
• Tighten asylum regulations to prevent misuse of the refugee system
• Strengthen the integrity of the immigration system

Immigration Minister Lena Diab and Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that the bill addresses what they call “unsustainable” immigration levels, especially the surge in asylum claims and border-related challenges.

🔑 Key Provisions of the Strong Borders Act

1. Stricter Rules on Asylum Claims

• People who have been in Canada for more than 1 year will no longer be eligible to file for asylum.
• Migrants entering from the US under the Safe Third Country Agreement must apply for asylum within 14 days.
• Late applicants may still undergo a risk assessment to evaluate threats to their safety if deported.

2. Expanded Border Security Powers

• Increased police powers to monitor Canada’s border with the United States.
• Focused on stopping fentanyl smuggling and illegal firearms trafficking.

3. Suspension of Immigration Processing

• The government can pause immigration applications for reasons related to public health or national security.

4. Expanded Mail Surveillance

• Authorities can now open and inspect mail more freely during criminal investigations.

5. New Restrictions on Cash Transactions

• Cash transactions over C$10,000 will face stricter controls.
• Depositing money into someone else’s account will be closely monitored.

🏠 Background: Why This Bill Now?

• Canada is facing a housing crisis, strained public services, and a backlog in asylum claims.
• The previous government relied on high immigration levels for economic growth, leading to:
  • Increased numbers of temporary workers and international students
  • Delays of up to 2 years for asylum hearings

⚖️ Reactions & Criticism

🚫 Opposition Views

• Civil liberty groups: Say the bill threatens privacy and individual rights.
• Migrant Rights Network: Called it “immoral”, warning of mass deportations.
• NDP MP Jenny Kwan: Warned the law could be alarming to many Canadians.

 US Relations

• Canada’s Public Safety Minister said the bill may ease US-Canada tensions, especially regarding drug trafficking.
• The legislation might also influence future trade talks with the US.

🗓️ Current Status:

• It was introduced in June 2025 by Canada’s new government under Prime Minister Mark Carney.
• The bill must go through parliamentary debate and approval before it can be enacted.
• Implementation dates will be announced once the bill passes, but certain provisions (like asylum restrictions or transaction limits) may be phased in gradually.

⏳ What to Expect:

• If approved by Parliament in the coming months, parts of the law could begin taking effect later in 2025 or early 2026.
• Until then, current immigration laws remain in effect.