Canada is bracing for a potential rise in migrants at its border as US President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office once again. Trump’s return has sparked concerns due to his promise of the largest mass deportation in US history, accusing immigrants of “poisoning the blood of our country.” The previous term between 2017 and 2021 saw tens of thousands of migrants, including Haitians who lost US protections, seek refuge in Canada.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police spokesperson Sergeant Charles Poirier confirmed the heightened vigilance in an AFP report. “We’re on high alert,” he stated. “All of our eyes are looking at the border to see what’s going to happen… because we know that Trump’s stance on immigration might drive up illegal and irregular migration to Canada.”
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland assured Canadians during a press conference in Ottawa that there is a prepared response for a potential increase in arrivals. “We have a plan,” she emphasized, adding that “Canadians need to know… our borders are safe and secure and we control them.”
This comes as Canada adjusts its own immigration targets, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration aiming to manage population growth while improving infrastructure and social services. Quebec Premier Francois Legault has expressed similar concerns, noting the challenge of accommodating an influx of migrants given existing constraints.
The situation has led to a surge in online searches from US residents exploring options to move to Canada. According to Google Trends, terms such as “immigrate to Canada” and “Canada immigration process” have seen a tenfold increase in searches.
However, the process is not immediate. Authorities estimate it may take up to a year for permanent residency applications to be processed, while refugee claimants could face a wait time of up to 44 months. Poirier highlighted the risks involved with unauthorized crossings, particularly as temperatures drop. “It’s starting to get cold. We’ve seen some tragedies in the past,” he said, noting cases of severe frostbite and hypothermia that resulted in amputations or, tragically, fatalities.
Rule changes in 2023 further complicate the asylum process, making it more difficult for those coming from the US to secure protection in Canada, and many may face return to the US. In anticipation of potential surges, Poirier mentioned that additional RCMP resources, including personnel, cameras, sensors, and drones, have been deployed along the 8,891-kilometer border. He cautioned that if large numbers of migrants attempt to cross simultaneously, “it could become unmanageable.”
