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Canada has witnessed a sharp increase in deportations, reaching the highest numbers recorded since 2015. The surge in removals has been fueled by an increasing backlog of refugee claims, stricter immigration policies, and growing political and economic pressures. By November 19, 2024, nearly 7,300 individuals had been deported, marking an 8.4% increase compared to the previous year.
This rise in deportations reflects a broader shift in Canada’s immigration enforcement policies, with the government allocating more resources to removals. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has confirmed that the majority of deported individuals were failed refugee claimants, while others were removed for overstaying visas or committing criminal offenses.
Increase in Deportations and the Changing Immigration Landscape
Data obtained by Reuters and cited by Immigration News Canada (INC) indicate that the number of deportations in 2024 represents a significant rise compared to previous years. The 7,300 removals between January and November 2024 mark a 95% increase compared to figures from two years ago. Experts suggest that this trend will continue into 2025 as Canada intensifies efforts to remove individuals with failed asylum claims.
The CBSA has not yet released full-year statistics, but analysts predict that the final figures for 2024 will surpass previous estimates. As of December 2024, approximately 485,359 individuals had been flagged for potential removal. The highest numbers were recorded in Quebec, where 197,029 individuals were awaiting deportation. Ontario followed closely with 120,273 pending deportations, while an additional 123,000 cases remained unassigned to a specific region.
Who is Being Deported and Why?
Government data show that 79% of those deported in 2024 were failed refugee claimants. This is an increase from 75% in 2023 and 66% in 2022, highlighting the government’s intensified focus on removing individuals whose asylum applications have been denied.
In addition to failed asylum seekers, another 11% of deportations involved individuals who overstayed their visas or violated the terms of their stay. Meanwhile, 7% of removals were related to criminal convictions. The rise in deportations has sparked debates about the fairness of Canada’s immigration policies, with critics arguing that many asylum seekers face insurmountable legal and financial barriers when trying to secure legal status.
A spokesperson for the CBSA, Luke Reimer, explained that the increase in removals is directly linked to the rising number of asylum applications. With a growing number of individuals receiving negative asylum decisions, deportations are expected to continue rising in the coming years.
Economic and Political Factors Driving Deportations
The sharp rise in deportations is occurring against the backdrop of mounting political and economic pressures in Canada. The government faces increasing criticism over rising immigration levels, particularly from citizens who argue that the influx of newcomers is worsening the country’s housing crisis. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver have seen a surge in housing prices and rental costs, with many blaming high immigration levels for the shortage of affordable housing.
To address these concerns, the Canadian government has increased funding for immigration enforcement. In the 2023–2024 fiscal year, the CBSA spent approximately C$65.8 million on deportation efforts. The government has also allocated an additional C$30.5 million to support removal operations through 2027. This financial commitment underscores Canada’s long-term strategy to manage its immigration system by increasing removals.
Regional Breakdown and Challenges in Deportation Process
The highest number of deportations have been recorded in Ontario and Quebec. Ontario currently has 120,273 individuals flagged for removal, while Quebec has 197,029 cases. However, despite the government’s push to accelerate deportations, many individuals remain in legal limbo due to logistical and diplomatic challenges.
Currently, about 21,000 individuals in Canada cannot be deported because of difficulties in securing travel documents from their home countries. These “non-removable” cases highlight the complexities involved in the deportation process. Many foreign governments refuse to accept deported individuals, while others delay processing travel documents, leaving thousands of asylum seekers stuck in Canada without legal status or work rights.
Government’s Response and the Future of Canada’s Immigration Policies
As immigration concerns continue to dominate public discourse, the Canadian government has introduced several policy changes aimed at reducing the number of new asylum seekers. In late 2024, the government announced plans to scale back both permanent and temporary immigration quotas, citing concerns about economic sustainability and public services capacity.
Official statistics indicate that refugee claims in Canada have already started to decline. The number of new asylum claims dropped from 19,821 in July 2024 to 11,838 in January 2025, suggesting that stricter measures may be deterring new applicants. However, with over 278,000 refugee claims still pending, Canada’s immigration system remains under immense strain.
Despite these measures, deportations remain a controversial aspect of Canada’s immigration policy. While some argue that removals are necessary to maintain the integrity of the asylum system, others believe that the process lacks fairness and transparency.
The Road Ahead for Canada’s Immigration System
As Canada prepares for further changes in its immigration policies, it remains unclear how these adjustments will impact the country’s long-term demographic and economic landscape. With additional funding set aside for deportations through 2027, it is expected that the government will continue prioritizing removals, especially for failed refugee claimants.
At the same time, pressure from the United States on border security may push Canada to adopt even stricter immigration policies in the coming years. Experts believe that the combination of domestic concerns and international pressures will continue shaping Canada’s approach to immigration enforcement.
The key question remains whether these measures will restore public confidence in the immigration system or deepen divisions within Canadian society. As policymakers navigate these complex issues, many migrants and asylum seekers continue to face uncertainty about their future in Canada.
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