Key Takeaways:
– Canadian authorities are expecting an influx of asylum-seekers from the U.S following Donald Trump’s election victory.
– The main concern stems from Trump’s campaign promise to round up and deport undocumented immigrants.
– As a result, people may attempt potentially dangerous crossings into Canada without a clear immigration pathway.
– Canadian police and migrant aid groups are preparing to deal with the increase in refugee claimants.
– Claims from Abdulla Daoud and Loly Rico suggest that refugees will look for countries offering protection.
As Trump Returns to the White House, Canada Gets Ready
With the news of Donald Trump securing a victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, Canada is getting ready for significant changes along its border. As the former U.S. President heads back to the Oval Office, our northern neighbor is preparing for an anticipated upswing in asylum-seekers trekking from America to Canada. This expectation stems from Trump’s campaign pledge of rounding up undocumented immigrants for deportation.
Why Asylum Seekers May Head for Canada
Many individuals, who don’t possess all necessary legal documents, might feel compelled to find a safer place to live due to Trump’s stern policies concerning immigration. This is the central premise upon which Trump based his campaign. His promise to forcefully remove these people and their families from the U.S. seems to have sparked a sense of urgency amongst those affected. Sudden movements towards places perceived to be more welcoming are therefore expected.
Police and Migrant Aid Groups Brace for Impact
Canadian law enforcement and groups that assist migrants seem ready for a surge in asylum-seekers fleeing from a Trump-led America. Canada is already witnessing high numbers of refugee claimants. The situation is further complicated as Canada is concurrently attempting to curtail immigration numbers.
The Challenge of Safe and Legitimate Asylum
The journey to claim asylum in Canada involves considerable risk. Asylum-seekers have to stealthily cross over from the U.S. undetected and then live in hiding for two weeks before they can formally request asylum. Abdulla Daoud, director of The Refugee Centre in Montreal, sheds light on this difficult and dangerous situation. He said when there are inadequate legitimate paths for asylum, or when paths require near-impossible feats for safety, people will still venture to do the ‘impossible.’
The Anticipated Deluge and Responsibility
Loly Rico, from Toronto’s FCJ Refugee Centre, also shared her views on this matter. She states that the Trump administration could be the primary trigger for what they anticipate— an influx of people seeking refuge from the United States. The psychological challenges for refugees are evident. The lack of belonging they are expected to experience may prompt them to seek protection from other accommodating countries.
As the political reins in America shift back to Trump, countries around the U.S., like Canada, must prepare for the possibly imminent ripple effects that this change brings. The Canadian authorities seem ready to rise to the challenge, albeit, the ordeal remains steep. Ultimately, the global hope is for a safer, more inclusive world where every person can live without the fear of displacement.
In the coming months, we shall see how Trump’s return to power will shape not only America but also its neighboring countries and the lives of those seeking asylum. Here’s to hoping for peaceful resolutions and safe havens for all.