Canada has become an increasingly popular destination for asylum seekers in recent years.
According to data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Canada received over 50,000 asylum claims in the year 2017 onwards, up from just over 23,000 claims in 2013.
So, what is driving this trend, and why are so many people choosing Canada as their preferred destination?
Last year, nearly 40,000 migrants crossed into Canada at an unofficial border at the end of a remote rural road in upstate New York a record number to seek asylum.
Many are driven by the belief that the country is more welcoming than the US. But can Canada handle the influx? and why asylum seekers choosing Canada?
One factor driving the influx of asylum seekers to Canada is the country’s reputation as a safe and welcoming haven for refugees.
Canada has a long tradition of resettling refugees, and the government has taken a proactive approach to refugee resettlement in recent years.
For example, in 2015, the government launched the Syrian refugee program, which brought over 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada in just a few months.
This program was widely praised as a model for other countries to follow, and it helped to cement Canada’s reputation as a leader in refugee resettlement.
Another factor driving the influx of asylum seekers to Canada is the country’s robust legal system and adherence to human rights norms.
Canada has a well-established legal framework for processing asylum claims, and the government is committed to upholding the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
This includes providing access to legal representation, ensuring that asylum seekers are not returned to countries where they face persecution, and providing basic necessities such as housing, healthcare, and education.
In addition to these factors, Canada’s geography also plays a role in attracting asylum seekers.
Canada shares a long border with the United States, and many asylum seekers choose to cross into Canada from the US because they believe that the Canadian asylum system is more welcoming and efficient than the US system.
This has led to a surge in irregular border crossings, particularly in the province of Quebec, where over 20,000 asylum seekers crossed into Canada from the US.
Finally, some analysts point to broader geopolitical trends as a factor driving the influx of asylum seekers to Canada.
For example, the ongoing conflict in Syria has displaced millions of people and created a massive refugee crisis.
Many of these refugees are seeking asylum in countries like Canada, which offer greater stability and security than their home countries.
The influx of asylum seekers choosing Canada is driven by a variety of factors, including Canada’s reputation as a safe and welcoming haven for refugees, its robust legal system, its geography, and broader geopolitical trends.
As the world continues to grapple with a growing refugee crisis, it is likely that Canada will remain a popular destination for those seeking safety and a new beginning.
