Immigration Minister Hints at Overhaul of Immigration and Asylum System

Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced plans for further reforms to Canada’s immigration and asylum systems in response to growing inefficiencies and mounting pressures. This announcement follows a recent decision to reduce Canada’s permanent residency targets for the next two years and tighten regulations for temporary worker permits.

The Canadian government has revealed that the average wait time for processing refugee and asylum claims now stretches to 44 months. Speaking to the House of Commons immigration committee on Monday, Miller admitted that the current system is overwhelmed and falling short of its intended goals.

“The system is not functioning the way it should,” Miller said, highlighting an uptick in inland asylum claims—applications filed by individuals already in Canada. Government data shows that between January and September 2024, 635 inland claims were processed. These claims are often filed by individuals advised to pursue asylum, sometimes without legitimate grounds, Miller explained.

Miller noted a troubling trend of international students increasingly turning to the asylum system. This issue has sparked emotional reactions, including protests during the committee meeting. Demonstrators from the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change displayed signs reading, “Don’t deport us! Don’t be racist! Rights not cuts! Status for All!”

As the session concluded, one protester confronted Miller directly, saying, “We are the people you’re trying to kick out of this country.” Parliamentary protective services escorted the group of 20 protesters from the building.

NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan questioned Miller’s approach, suggesting that recent policy shifts unfairly scapegoat migrants for systemic issues like Canada’s housing crisis. In response, Miller emphasized that citizenship is a privilege, not a right.

“It is not a right to become a permanent resident or Canadian citizen; otherwise, you dilute its value,” Miller said. However, he acknowledged the need to treat applicants fairly, particularly those adhering to the terms of their visas.

Miller also highlighted Canada’s strategy of drawing 40% of new permanent residents from within the country, a move aimed at addressing the nuances of immigration challenges. As of September, Canada had nearly 250,000 pending refugee claims, with only 48,000 asylum claims processed so far in 2024.

The proposed reforms are expected to address these bottlenecks and improve system efficiency. Details of these measures are anticipated in the coming weeks, as Canada grapples with balancing immigration demands and maintaining the integrity of its systems.