The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, shared significant updates on Canada’s efforts to bolster border security and enhance the immigration system.
These updates are part of Canada’s Border Plan, announced in December 2024, which aims to reinforce border integrity and address pressing issues such as illegal crossings and fraudulent immigration practices.
The Government of Canada remains committed to ensuring the integrity of its immigration system and border security. By leveraging technology, fostering collaboration, and enacting strategic policies, Canada aims to maintain safe and efficient border operations while upholding its reputation as a welcoming and secure nation.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship said about the new changes and their results:
We must preserve the integrity of our immigration system so it remains well-managed, sustainable and trusted by Canadians. By reducing non-genuine visitors, preventing illegal border crossings, and improving information-sharing with the United States, we are taking concrete steps to protect the safety of both sides of the border.
Summary of the Changes
| Measure | Impact |
| Safe Third Country Agreement | Daily asylum claims reduced to 12 |
| Visa Protocol for Mexican Nationals | 97% drop in claims, 72% fewer illegal crossings |
| End of Flagpoling | 86% reduction, saving thousands of workdays |
| International Student Program Reform | 91% drop in illegal crossings by permit holders |
Streamlining Immigration Processes
1- End of Flagpoling
In December 2024, Canada ended the practice of “flagpoling,” where temporary residents leave and re-enter Canada to expedite immigration services. As a result, an 86% reduction in flagpoling has been observed, saving thousands of workdays for both U.S. and Canadian border officials.
2- Fraud Detection and Visitor Visas
As per the immigration minister, the heightened scrutiny of visitor visa applications from high-risk countries has:
- Reduced illegal U.S. crossings by foreign nationals in Canada by 89%.
- Increased visa refusals from high-risk countries by 61%.
- Lowered asylum claims by visa holders by 18%.
3- Reforming the International Student Program
To address abuses in the International Student Program, IRCC implemented measures to verify post-secondary institution acceptance letters. This has caused a 91% drop in illegal U.S. crossings by Canadian study permit holders.
4- Enhancing Detection Capabilities
The CBSA is reinforcing its ability to detect illegal activities by:
- Training and deploying new canine teams.
- Investing in advanced imaging tools and artificial intelligence systems.
5- Ongoing Efforts Against Organized Crime
The RCMP is prioritizing investigations into organized crime groups involved in drug trafficking, particularly opioids. By expanding its intelligence collection capacity, the agency aims to dismantle transnational networks and protect Canadian communities.
Impact of New Measures
Safe Third Country Agreement Update
Canada’s revised “Safe Third Country Agreement” with the U.S. has drastically reduced illegal border crossings. These changes have caused the average daily asylum claims to fall from 165 in March 2023 to just 12 per day after implementation.
Visa Protocol for Mexican Nationals
A partial visa requirement for Mexican nationals introduced in February 2024 has led to:
- A 97% decrease in asylum claims by Mexican nationals.
- A 72% drop in southbound illegal crossings into the U.S.
Key Initiatives in Border Security
Public Safety spearheads a $1.3 billion initiative to fortify the Canada-U.S. border through advanced technology, personnel, and surveillance equipment. This includes:
- Deployment of Technology:
- 60 drones for border surveillance.
- New surveillance towers, x-ray systems, and hand-held chemical analyzers.
- Strengthening Workforce:
- Enhanced planning with provinces and territories to prepare for a potential surge in asylum seekers.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are working in tandem to address illegal activities at the border.
- The CBSA is targeting a 25% increase in the removal of individuals who do not meet immigration requirements.
- The RCMP is pooling resources to combat organized crime and disrupt transnational criminal networks, including those involved in fentanyl trafficking and money laundering.