U.S. President Joe Biden is heading north next week for his first visit to Canada as president. Ahead of the visit, both countries are setting a wide range of potential topics ranging from immigration policy to ongoing support for Ukraine.

The details of the upcoming trip – March 23 and 24 – were confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the White House last Thursday, with the trip also including an address to parliament.

The world leaders have had opportunities to connect over the past two years, with Biden’s first international “virtual” bilateral being with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in February 2022 when both countries were still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Biden and Trudeau have met on the sidelines of various international events, yet there has not been a dedicated trip for the U.S.-Canada relationship.

Below is a look at some cross-border issues that will be discussed during the visit:

Border Concerns:

The United States and Canada are under pressure to address the sharp increase in irregular migration levels on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported an 846 percent increase in irregular crossings from Canada along part of the northeastern border. The flow of asylum seekers entering Canada from the United States also surged; to nearly 40,000 last year, many at irregular border crossings such as Roxham Road at the Quebec-Vermont border.

The border issue has opened a new line of attack for the opposition in both countries. New York Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said at the launch of the Northern Border rally, which included all Republican members last month: "This is Joe Biden's border crisis, what the Biden administration needs to do is focus on border security and acknowledge that we have a problem."

In Canada, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre told reporters last month in Ottawa that if this were a real prime minister, he is responsible for that border, referring to Trudeau.

Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser met with his U.S. counterparts last week in Washington to work toward a continuing "permanent" solution. But with Quebec bearing most of the increase in migrants, Prime Minister François Legault urged the prime minister to prioritize renegotiating the decades-old asylum pact during Biden's visit.

Critical Minerals:

Another potential topic is the transition to clean energy and critical minerals. These are essential components in green technologies from solar panels to electric vehicle batteries and a potential growing source of middle-class jobs.

Canada is home to nearly half of the world's publicly traded mining and mineral exploration companies. This represents a combined market value of $520 billion, according to the Canadian government's critical minerals strategy.

A major component of this strategy is the mineral value chain, which keeps mining, refining, and manufacturing in Canada, but the process is not without delays.

Canada also has issues with the Americans, such as parts of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, which offers billions in subsidies to promote electric vehicle battery manufacturing in America.

Defense Priorities:

Internationally, the war in Ukraine is likely to be at the top of the agenda during these meetings, as after a year of conflict, the United States and Canada continue to express their desire to hold Moscow accountable for its actions, with both countries accusing Russia of committing war crimes.

There are reports that the International Criminal Court plans to open investigations in Russia, something Canada has previously requested, as the United States is not a member of the ICC but is considering ways to assist the court.

Meanwhile, Canadian forces have trained thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and allocated more than a billion dollars in military aid including eight Leopard 2 tanks.

On NATO’s eastern flank, Ottawa also plans to double its presence in Latvia. Defense Minister Anita Anand recently announced plans to purchase portable anti-tank missiles, anti-drone technology, and air defense systems for the NATO mission in the country.

The current crisis in Haiti is also likely to arise during talks, as there are reports that Biden administration officials are pressuring Ottawa to decide on leading a multinational force to assist the country in its battle against gang control.

Evaluation of the Relationship:

The two-day trip should provide both countries an opportunity to address the mounting irritations and improve relations on both sides of the border.

In a briefing to reporters, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the trip “will reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the U.S.-Canada partnership and strengthen our shared security, shared prosperity, and shared values.”

Trudeau also said in a statement that he looks forward to welcoming Biden to Canada, adding: “We will continue to work together as we defend our continent and our shared values, and create more opportunities for people and businesses on both sides of the border.”