Ottawa, Canada – Canada has deported more individuals in 2024 than in any year since 2015, with the majority being rejected refugee claimants. According to government data, nearly 7,300 people were deported by late November, reflecting an 8.4% increase from 2023 and a staggering 95% rise compared to 2022.
Immigration officials report that approximately 79% of those deported had been denied refugee status, while 11% were removed for non-compliance with immigration laws and another 7% for criminal activity. This increase in removals comes amid a sharp rise in asylum applications over the past four years, placing additional strain on Canada’s immigration system.
To support the growing number of deportations, the federal government has allocated an additional C$30.5 million over the next three years to bolster enforcement efforts. The decision aligns with Canada’s broader immigration policy shift, which aims to reduce the number of temporary residents and address public concerns about the impact of migration on housing and public services.
Human rights advocates and immigration lawyers have raised concerns about individuals being deported while their appeals are still pending. Critics argue that the deportation process has become increasingly stringent, leaving some at risk of being returned to dangerous conditions in their home countries.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has faced mounting pressure to tighten immigration controls, especially as Canada prepares for a reduction in permanent residency targets over the next few years. The move follows public debate on whether the country’s rapid population growth due to immigration is exacerbating economic challenges, such as rising housing costs and stagnant wages.
The rise in deportations signals a shift in Canada’s approach to immigration enforcement, prompting renewed discussions on balancing border security with humanitarian obligations. With thousands of asylum seekers still awaiting decisions, the debate over Canada’s immigration policies is expected to intensify in the coming months.