Recent developments
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has recently put a halt on international travel for Canadian citizens and permanent residents - but what does this mean for irregular migrants looking for refuge in Canada?
On Friday, March 20, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that irregular migrants crossing into Canada on foot from the U.S will be turned away when they reach the border as part of a wider border shutdown amidst the new coronavirus pandemic.
Although Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assures that these restrictions are temporary, this will make it impossible for asylum seekers passing through the U.S. border from irregular crossings like Roxham Road between New York and Quebec, to make a refugee claim.
So, now what?
Asylum seekers trying to cross the U.S.-Canada border will be released back to the U.S. Those who have already crossed the border are mandated to stay in self-isolation for 14 days as they continue the asylum process.
The policy has been decided because of how difficult it is to screen refugee claimants at the border with the increased spread of the virus.
Since 2017, the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada has received approximately 54,739 refugee claims made by irregular migrants. Canada now has 915 cases of the coronavirus including 11 deaths and 10 recoveries.
The top health professionals are unsure of how long this virus will last, but are hoping that with self-isolation and restricted travel, it will stop spreading so quickly.