Amnesty International in Canada described the new border bill proposed by the federal government as a “serious attack on the rights of asylum seekers,” warning that the proposed amendments could undermine Canada's legal and international commitments to protect refugees.

The bill, which was recently introduced to Parliament, grants Canadian immigration authorities expanded powers to swiftly deport asylum seekers without giving them sufficient opportunity to submit their applications or appeal deportation decisions, particularly those crossing the Canada-U.S. border irregularly.

Catherine Ramsey, the Deputy Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, stated: “Depriving people of the opportunity to have their applications heard fairly or sending them back to countries where they may face danger violates the principle of non-refoulement and constitutes a blatant violation of human rights.”

Warnings Against Undermining the Right to Asylum

The bill includes what is known as “Direct Back,” which allows border officials to automatically return asylum seekers to the United States if they arrived from there, without reviewing their applications within Canada. Human rights organizations note that this mechanism undermines the 1951 Refugee Convention and principles of international law.

Civil society organizations and immigration experts expressed concern that these amendments could entrench discriminatory practices against the most vulnerable groups, especially women, children, and victims of human trafficking.

Government Response: The Bill Aims to "Manage Immigration in an Organized Way"

In contrast, the federal government defended the bill as a “necessary tool” to ensure the integrity of the Canadian immigration and asylum system, amid increasing pressures on border crossings and the rising number of arrivals through irregular channels. A spokesperson for the immigration department stated, “Canada remains committed to human rights, but it is important to ensure that asylum applications are made within a legal and organized framework.”

The bill is expected to spark wide debate both inside and outside Parliament, as criticisms grow from human rights organizations and opposition politicians, who are calling for a comprehensive review of the bill's content to ensure respect for fundamental rights and adherence to Canada’s international obligations.