Seeking asylum is not a crime—it is a fundamental, internationally recognized human right. Yet, as Canada reviews its border and immigration frameworks, Amnesty International Canada is sounding the alarm: proposed changes under Bill?C?2 and entrenched policies like the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) risk stripping away the protections afforded to those fleeing persecution
Introduced in June?2025 and misleadingly titled the “Strong Borders Act,” Bill?C?2 includes provisions that could:
Set a one?year deadline to claim refugee protection. Applications made more than 12 months after arrival would be permanently barred from review by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)?
Remove exceptions allowing people crossing irregularly from the U.S. to have claims heard—tightening Canada’s already restrictive land-border approach?.
Grant ministers broad discretionary powers to cancel valid immigration documents (e.g. PR, work permits, student permits) in the nebulous name of “public interest,” with minimal due process or individual safeguards.
Amnesty International warns these changes could effectively “criminalize, stigmatize and punish people seeking safety,” and erode Canada’s international human rights commitments?.
Safe Third Country Agreement: A Deterrent to Asylum
The Canada–U.S. STCA, in effect since December?2004, requires refugee claimants to apply in the first safe country they enter. A 2023 expansion further closed escape routes—such as walking across irregular points like Roxham Road—outlawing claims made within 14 days.
These measures have driven many into hidden journeys, increasing dangers and leaving them without access to fair, transparent processes?. Amnesty International calls for Canada to withdraw from the STCA entirely and restore trustee asylum pathways?
Immigration Detention: A Systemic Problem
Canada detains thousands of immigration detainees annually—some for months or even years. These individuals, not accused of crimes, are often held in provincial jails under maximum-security conditions, frequently subjected to handcuffs, shackling, solitary confinement and racial disparities?.People with mental health conditions, disabilities, or from racialized communities, particularly Black immigrants, face even harsher conditions and prolonged detention? Amnesty and Human Rights Watch are urging governments nationwide to end contracts that place immigration detainees in provincial jails and to end indefinite detention?.
Amnesty’s Urgent-Action Demands
Amnesty International Canada is calling for:
Withdrawal of Bill C?2 — To prevent dismantling of the right to seek asylum, end exclusionary deadlines, and stop politicized immigration cancellations?.
Rescission of the STCA — To restore safe and legal asylum pathways and eliminate forced refoulement to U.S. authorities?.
Reform of immigration detention — Stop using jails for administrative detention, end indefinite confinement, and ensure oversight and humane conditions?.
Amnesty is mobilizing its Urgent Action Network and urging Canadians to contact the Minister of Immigration and local MPs. These actions include petitions, letters, and social media outreach calling for the reversal of harmful policies and the restoration of fairness to Canada’s asylum system?
Why This Matters
These accelerated changes threaten Canada’s reputation as a global leader in refugee protection. By imposing arbitrary bars, surrendering due-process rights, and reinforcing system-wide detention, we risk abandoning principles enshrined in the Canadian Charter and international law.
Amnesty’s messaging is clear: urgent action is essential. Without intervention, Canada may revive policies reminiscent of darker eras—where borders, not justice or compassion, dictated who could stay or be expelled.
How You Can Take Action
Send a message to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (e.g. Lena Diab), urging withdrawal of Bill?C?2 and rescinding of the STCA.
Call or email your MP to demand reforms to detention policies and improved due process for asylum seekers.
Join Amnesty’s Urgent Action Network to receive alerts and directly support campaigns defending the rights of newcomers.
Together, we can ensure Canada remains a sanctuary—not just in name, but in practice.
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