Maple News reports that the Canadian federal government has released further details of its proposed Strong Borders Act as it faces growing scrutiny over how the legislation may impact asylum seekers and immigrants. While positioned as a way to protect the integrity of Canada’s immigration and asylum systems, critics argue it could increase government discretion and reduce transparency.
The legislation, introduced amid rising global migration pressures, is described by officials as a necessary shift to balance “compassion and control.” It aims to modernize and streamline immigration processes, protect national security, and address suspected misuse of public services—without compromising Canada’s international protection obligations.
One of the most debated provisions in the Act gives the Governor in Council—the Cabinet and Governor General—the authority to suspend, cancel, or amend certain immigration documents, such as visas, study permits, and work permits, on grounds of “public interest.” The government insists this power wouldn’t apply to asylum claims and would be reserved for situations involving national security, public health, or emergency responses. However, legal experts warn that the vague definition of “public interest” may allow the rule to be applied too broadly.
The Act also aims to tighten domestic coordination through improved data sharing between Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and provincial and territorial governments. This move is designed to strengthen identity verification, detect fraud, and streamline the delivery of settlement and legal services. The government maintains that all information sharing will comply with existing privacy laws, and that no personal data will be provided to foreign governments without strict safeguards.
In terms of asylum processing, significant adjustments are proposed. All asylum claims would now follow uniform procedures, regardless of submission location, and be sent directly to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) for review. Claimants would be required to remain in Canada until the process concludes. The goal is to speed up decisions on legitimate claims, reduce backlogs, and provide quicker pathways for voluntary departure in cases that do not qualify.
Two new eligibility rules have sparked strong responses from advocacy groups. First, refugee claims made more than a year after arrival in Canada would not be referred to the IRB. Second, irregular border crossers entering from the United States would be ineligible if they file a claim more than 14 days post-entry. While affected individuals could still apply for a pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA), they would be excluded from the formal refugee adjudication process. The government says these measures are intended to reduce abuse and ease IRB caseloads.
Despite official reassurances, many immigration advocates argue the Act could jeopardize fairness for vulnerable individuals, particularly those unable to quickly file claims for personal, legal, or financial reasons. They’ve called for better oversight and more precise definitions to ensure due process.
The Strong Borders Act has not yet been passed and remains under debate in Parliament. If enacted, the new rules would apply to claims submitted on or after June 3, 2025. Most changes would require additional regulatory steps before taking effect. Maple News will continue to follow the legislation’s progress and its potential impact on Canada’s immigration landscape.