As U.S. immigration policies tighten under President Donald Trump, Canada is experiencing a significant surge in asylum claims, with an alarming rise in the number of individuals seeking refuge at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing. According to the latest data, asylum requests at this crossing have tripled compared to last year. This increase coincides with the U.S. government’s intensified immigration enforcement, including a substantial boost to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) budget.

For those looking to seek asylum in Canada, the landscape is rapidly changing. While the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) between Canada and the U.S. poses challenges, many still view Canada as a safer alternative to the heightened immigration enforcement in the U.S. So, what does this surge mean for asylum seekers, and how does it affect Canada’s immigration landscape in 2025?

Let’s dive into the latest updates on the rise in asylum seekers, the pressures on Canada’s immigration system, and the challenges faced by individuals looking for refuge.

Asylum Seekers Surge at Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle: What’s Behind the Increase?

The month of July 2025 marked a striking increase in asylum claims at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle port of entry. This border crossing, located just south of Montreal, has seen a 263% rise in asylum requests compared to the same period last year. Since July, more than 5,500 asylum seekers have turned to Canada, with a significant portion coming from the U.S.

The rise in asylum claims is largely driven by aggressive immigration enforcement policies south of the border. President Trump’s increased budget for ICE, which includes funding for new detention centers and additional agents, has significantly ramped up deportations and raids across the U.S. These actions appear to have pushed more migrants, including those from Haiti, Venezuela, and even the U.S., to seek safety in Canada.

In fact, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a 201% increase in unauthorized crossings from Canada into the U.S. over the past year. Many of these individuals are fleeing the heightened risks of detention and deportation in the U.S., prompting them to seek refuge in Canada, where they hope for better prospects.

Canada’s Response: Safe Third Country Agreement and Its Impact

Despite the surge in asylum claims, Canada faces a dilemma due to the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), a bilateral pact between the U.S. and Canada. Under the agreement, refugees must apply for asylum in the first country they arrive in—meaning that migrants arriving from the U.S. are usually not eligible to seek asylum in Canada. This policy has resulted in 3,282 individuals being turned away in the first eight months of 2025, a significant rise compared to the previous year.

The Safe Third Country Agreement is a controversial aspect of Canadian immigration law, as it effectively prevents asylum seekers from applying if they have already passed through the U.S. However, certain exceptions do exist. These include exemptions for families, unaccompanied minors, and individuals who have been persecuted or face unique vulnerabilities.

While the agreement has reduced the number of asylum seekers entering Canada, it also forces many people back into the perilous U.S. detention system, which some argue undermines Canada’s reputation as a haven for refugees. Asylum seekers who are denied in Canada often face a grim future, with the potential of being deported to countries that are unwilling to accept them.

Why Are People Fleeing the U.S.? A Look at the Bigger Picture

The U.S. government’s aggressive immigration policies have created a climate of fear for many migrants, particularly those from Venezuela, Haiti, and even the U.S. itself. For example, many U.S. citizens born to parents without legal immigration status are now finding themselves at risk of deportation or being caught in ICE raids. Additionally, migrants from Venezuela, who were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under previous administrations, are now facing the loss of this status, further pushing them to seek refuge in neighboring Canada.

For some, the fear of being deported back to countries where they face violence or persecution is too great to stay in the U.S. The U.S. government’s targeted raids and crackdown on undocumented immigrants have led many to reconsider their future in the country, pushing them to seek asylum in Canada as a more stable and welcoming alternative.

The Impact of Unauthorized Migration: A Growing Challenge for Canada

Canada has also witnessed an increase in unauthorized crossings along the northern border. From January to July 2025, illegal border crossings from Canada to the U.S. increased by 165.6%, as migrants sought to bypass the stricter controls and pursue a life in America. The remote terrain of the northern border, however, poses serious risks to migrants, especially in harsh winter conditions.

Some migrants have been reported missing or stranded in the woods during their journey. Local authorities, like New York’s Clinton County Sheriff, have noted an increase in emergency calls from people lost or suffering from the cold. These reports highlight the extreme lengths some are willing to go to in order to escape the uncertainty of their current living situations.

What Does the Future Hold for Asylum Seekers in Canada?

Asylum seekers will continue to face challenges when trying to enter Canada, particularly due to the Safe Third Country Agreement and rising enforcement at the U.S.-Canada border. However, the increase in asylum claims at Canada’s borders speaks to a growing shift in migration patterns, driven by fears of deportation, raids, and the worsening political climate in the U.S.

Canada’s immigration system will undoubtedly face increased pressure as more individuals seek refuge. In 2025, potential asylum seekers should be prepared for a complex and evolving landscape that may see more stringent enforcement and legal hurdles, but also opportunities for those who qualify for exceptions under the Safe Third Country Agreement. With U.S. immigration policies continuing to evolve, Canada’s role as a sanctuary for migrants may become even more critical in the years to come.