Immigration minister defends sweeping new powers in border bill

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab is standing by the controversial new measures introduced in the Strong Borders Act, which includes granting her office the authority to cancel immigration documents in bulk and imposing time limits for asylum seekers to submit their applications. In a recent interview with CBC News, Diab emphasized the need for efficiency in processing applications and ensuring that the system works for everyone.

The Strong Borders Act, also known as Bill C-2, aims to safeguard Canadian sovereignty, bolster border security, and protect the safety of Canadians. The proposed amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act would require asylum seekers, including students and temporary residents, to file their claims within a year of entering the country. Additionally, irregular border crossers would have to make their asylum claims within 14 days of arrival, and voluntary departures would be expedited by making removal orders effective immediately upon withdrawal of an asylum claim.

While the government asserts that these changes are necessary to address backlogs and maintain an efficient system, advocacy groups such as the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers have expressed concerns. Adam Sadinsky, the group’s advocacy co-chair, noted that certain individuals may have valid reasons for delaying their asylum claims beyond the proposed time limits, such as political upheaval in their home country or personal safety concerns.

The potential impact on court workload is also a point of contention, as rejected asylum seekers may seek recourse through the Federal Court of Canada due to the restrictions on asylum applications. The Federal Court, already grappling with delays in immigration cases, could face additional strain if more individuals resort to legal challenges.

The provision granting the government the power to mass cancel immigration documents has raised alarm among advocacy groups like the Migrant Rights Network. Spokesperson Syed Hussan criticized the move as a means of setting up a “mass deportation machine,” raising concerns about unchecked power and potential breaches of international conventions.

Minister Diab defended the mass cancellation authority, emphasizing that such decisions would be made by the entire cabinet and only in exceptional circumstances where health or security risks are involved. She cited the example of the COVID-19 pandemic, where the system lacked the ability to suspend or cancel applications, potentially posing health and security threats.

As Bill C-2 progresses through Parliament, it is uncertain which committee will review the legislation. The Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers intends to voice its concerns through a letter to the government and hopes to present at the committee when the opportunity arises.

In conclusion, while the government aims to streamline the immigration system and enhance border security through the Strong Borders Act, the proposed measures have sparked debate and raised questions about their impact on asylum seekers and the legal system. It remains to be seen how these changes will be implemented and whether adjustments will be made to address the concerns raised by advocacy groups.