Rise in asylum seekers crossing into Quebec as U.S. revokes status of thousands of migrants
The number of people seeking asylum at a major border crossing south of Montreal has been steadily increasing, according to border officials. This rise in asylum seekers comes as the temporary status of hundreds of thousands of migrants in the United States is set to expire, leading to concerns that Trump administration policies could drive another massive influx of migrants to Canada.
Data from the Canada Border Services Agency reveals that the number of asylum claims at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle crossing has been on the rise since the beginning of the year. In March, there were 1,356 applications, and as of Saturday in April, there were 557 claims. Frantz André, a spokesperson for a Montreal-based group that assists undocumented migrants with their asylum cases, noted that many of the claimants at this Quebec border crossing are Haitians fleeing the U.S. before their status is revoked.
André explained that since the election of President Donald Trump, there has been an increase in the number of refugees coming to Canada. Many individuals have received letters from U.S. authorities notifying them that their status will be revoked, prompting them to seek ways to leave the country.
While the number of asylum claims in 2025 is lower compared to the same period in 2024, there are concerns that a crackdown on immigration in the U.S. could lead to a new wave of migrants heading north. During the previous Trump administration, strict policies against Haitian migrants resulted in thousands of them seeking refuge in Canada, particularly in Quebec.
The U.S. Homeland Security recently announced the revocation of temporary status for over half a million individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, ending on April 24. Additionally, Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans and Haitians is set to expire in August, although a federal judge has temporarily halted this decision.
André expressed doubts that individuals affected by these changes would wait until August to flee, citing the current actions of ICE targeting migrants in various settings. He emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action to ensure their safety.
On the federal campaign trail, reactions to the rise in asylum claims varied. Liberal Leader Mark Carney stated that it is unacceptable for individuals to leave the U.S. to seek asylum in Canada, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the two countries to manage the situation. In contrast, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the Liberals for what he described as a “broken” immigration system and emphasized the need to differentiate between genuine refugees and fraudulent individuals.
Despite the increase in asylum claims, the RCMP reported that there has not been a significant rise in illegal border crossings. Recent incidents involving Haitian migrants attempting to enter Canada were promptly addressed by law enforcement, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by both migrants and authorities in navigating the asylum process.
