Ottawa says U.S. move to tighten border rules for asylum-seekers in line with law

The federal government says procedural changes planned by the United States to tighten rules for asylum seekers coming from Canada are in line with the Safe Third Country Agreement.

Under that agreement, which came into effect in 2004, refugee claimants must seek asylum in the first country they arrive.

The Department of Homeland Security says migrants coming from Canada will now have only four hours, instead of 24, to consult a lawyer before making their claim for asylum in the U.S.

People who want to claim asylum will also have less time to gather documentation to support their claim.

Jamie Chai Yun Liew, a law professor at the University of Ottawa, says the Canadian government’s response is disappointing.

She says it sends the message that Canada is prioritizing efficient processing at the border over humanitarian concerns and commitments to international refugee law.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 17, 2024.