Canada Sees Highest Deportation Numbers in a Decade: Understanding the Rise

Overview of Canada’s Deportation Trends

Canada has reached its highest annual level of deportations in roughly a decade, with a significant increase in the removal of individuals whose refugee claims were rejected. Data obtained by Reuters reveals that by late November 2024, the country had deported 7,300 people, marking an 8.4% increase compared to the entire year of 2023 and a 95% increase over 2022. This surge in deportations comes as the Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, seeks to demonstrate a tougher stance on immigration. The government has also allocated additional funds for deportation efforts this year, signaling a shift in policy priorities.

Reasons Behind the Surge in Deportations

The spike in deportations is largely attributed to a "significant increase" in asylum applications since 2020, according to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This influx has prompted the government to enforce removal orders more efficiently and expeditiously. Approximately 79% of the 7,300 people deported between January 1 and November 19, 2024, were those whose refugee claims had been rejected. This percentage has risen steadily from 66% in 2022 and 75% in 2023, indicating a growing focus on removing failed refugee claimants. Additionally, 11% of deportations were due to non-compliance with stay conditions, such as overstaying visas, while 7% were related to criminal offenses committed in Canada or elsewhere.

Concerns Over Deportation Practices

The increase in deportations has raised concerns among human rights advocates and legal experts. Aisling Bondy, president of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, highlights the risk that individuals may be deported while still appealing decisions regarding the safety risks they face in their home countries. "They could be removed even if there is significant error in the risk determination," she noted, expressing worry that people may be sent back to countries where they could face persecution. The CBSA has countered these concerns by stating that removal orders are only acted upon after all legal avenues of recourse have been exhausted.

The Government’s Tougher Stance on Immigration

The Trudeau government’s decision to increase deportations reflects a broader strategy to address public concerns over immigration. With a growing backlog of refugee claims and rising tensions over the perceived impact of immigration on housing shortages, the government is under pressure to demonstrate its commitment to managing borders effectively. University of Toronto law professor Audrey Macklin suggests that the government’s focus on deporting failed refugee claimants may be an attempt to showcase its efficiency in policing the border. "You can decide that you want to make a show of how many people you are deporting to show that you are effective at policing the border," she said.

Canada’s Deportation Priorities and Future Trends

The Canadian government has made it clear that it intends to continue ramping up deportation efforts in the coming years. In late 2023, the government pledged $30.5 million over three years to increase deportations. Additionally, the CBSA spent $65.8 million on removals in 2023-24, up from $56 million the previous year. The government has also emphasized the need for temporary residents, including workers and students, to leave the country voluntarily, with plans to deport those who do not comply. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has stated that individuals who choose not to leave will face consequences, including deportation after due process.

The Broader Context and Implications

The rise in deportations is part of a larger conversation about Canada’s immigration policies and their impact on the country. While the government aims to maintain the integrity of the asylum system and address public concerns, critics argue that the focus on deporting failed refugee claimants may deter legitimate asylum seekers and undermine Canada’s reputation as a safe haven for those fleeing persecution. As the government continues to navigate the complexities of immigration management, the balance between enforcing borders and protecting human rights remains a critical issue.