Canada Introduces Bill C-2 to Tighten Asylum Eligibility and Border Security
A newly introduced federal bill could dramatically restrict who is eligible to seek asylum in Canada. Tabled in the House of Commons on June 3, Bill C-2, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures, marks one of the most significant proposed reforms to Canadian refugee law in recent years.
If passed, Bill C-2 would implement several sweeping changes to the current refugee protection framework, particularly affecting individuals who enter Canada irregularly or delay filing their asylum claims.
Key Provisions of Bill C-2
Under the bill’s provisions:
- Asylum Claims Time Limit: Any foreign national who entered Canada on or after June 24, 2020, would become ineligible to apply for refugee protection if they make a claim more than one year after their date of entry.
- Irregular Crossings at the US Border: Individuals who cross the Canada–US land border at non-official points of entry (i.e., irregularly) would no longer be eligible to claim asylum, regardless of how long they have been in the country.
- Under current law, such claimants are permitted to apply if they wait 14 days after arrival. This provision would eliminate that 14-day exception.
The bill’s restrictions would apply retroactively, meaning asylum claims submitted after June 3, 2025 (the date of first reading), would be subject to the new rules.
Expanded Executive Powers
In addition to tightening eligibility, Bill C-2 would grant the federal government broad discretionary powers. These include the authority for the Governor in Council (the federal Cabinet) to:
- Suspend, cancel, or reject certain immigration applications deemed not in the public interest;
- Terminate the processing of immigration documents, or change their terms and conditions;
- Require foreign nationals to appear for interviews or examinations by immigration authorities at any time;
- Increase information-sharing, permitting more extensive disclosure of personal data to other federal departments or agencies.
What Comes Next?
As of June 3, Bill C-2 has passed its first reading in Parliament. In order to become law, it must go through second and third readings, a Senate review, and then receive royal assent. Until then, the bill remains a proposal, although its retroactive application raises concern among immigration advocates and refugee organizations.
Critics argue that the bill could violate Canada’s international obligations under the UN Refugee Convention, while supporters say it is necessary to protect the integrity of Canada’s asylum system and secure the Canada–US border.
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