Solidarity Across Borders and Migrant Rights Network Condemns Bill C-2\u2019s Anti-Refugee & Mass Deportation Provisions<\/p>\n
June 4, 2025, Montr\u00e9al\/Toronto \u2014 Solidarity Across Borders and the Migrant Rights Network strongly condemns Bill C-2, which fundamentally undermines Canada\u2019s refugee and immigration system in violation of international obligations and basic human rights. The Act \u201crespecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures\u201d contains several concerning sections that will drastically restrict refugee protections and allow for mass deportations and immigration exclusion.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrime Minister Carney campaigned on being different from Donald Trump, yet his very first bill is a shameful capitulation to racism and xenophobia, which abandons Canada\u2019s legal and moral obligations to refugees and migrants. We\u2019re witnessing the deliberate expansion of a mass deportation machine designed to tear apart families and communities. With over 3,000 study and work permits already expiring daily because of Trudeau\u2019s immigration cuts, this Bill will only worsen a humanitarian catastrophe. This bill is immoral, it is illegal, and it will be stopped.\u201d
\n\u2013 Syed Hussan, Migrant Rights Network spokesperson<\/p>\n
Bill C-2 Is Not About the US-Canada Border or Tariffs<\/p>\n
One-Year Bar on Refugee Claims: The bill prohibits migrants who have been in Canada for longer than one year from making refugee claims, with retroactive application to anyone who arrived after June 24, 2020. This means individuals whose home countries deteriorate into conflict after their arrival would be denied the right to seek asylum protections simply due to timing. This is a complete abandonment of international humanitarian law.<\/p>\n
Expanded Safe Third Country Agreement: Previously, migrants entering Canada from the United States between ports of entry could apply for refugee status after 14 days. Bill C-2 eliminates this exception entirely, forcing vulnerable individuals to remain in the United States despite President Trump\u2019s widely criticized immigration crackdown.<\/p>\n
Unchecked Ministerial Powers for Mass Deportations: The legislation grants the Minister of Immigration sweeping authority to cancel, suspend, or modify immigration documents for entire groups without due process. This includes the power to pause acceptance of new applications and cancel existing applications even after submission. This means migrants in Canada could have their status revoked en masse, even if they have already applied for permanent residency or refugee status.<\/p>\n
Erosion of Privacy Protections: The Bill removes critical privacy safeguards that prevent information sharing about migrants between federal, provincial, and territorial governments. This change will expose migrants to further abuse. For example, undocumented workers could face deportation for trying to assert their labour rights against exploitative employers because of information sharing with border enforcement.<\/p>\n
Solidarity Across Borders and the Migrant Rights Network calls on all parliamentarians to reject Bill C-2 and instead ensure equal rights and permanent resident status for all.<\/p>\n