A surge in asylum applications has been observed at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing in Quebec, as reported by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The agency processed approximately 14,900 asylum applications from January 1 to December 14, showing a significant increase compared to the same period last year when just over 7,700 applications were processed.
Various experts point to factors like certain American policies and heightened ICE raids as reasons for the uptick in individuals attempting to cross into Canada from the U.S. Loujin Khalil, an immigration consultant in Montreal, highlights concerns over extreme policies and uncontrolled ICE raids in the U.S., leading to fears among those seeking safety in Canada.
Frantz André from Comité d’action des personnes sans statut notes that the trend began with President Trump’s deportation rhetoric and is expected to worsen. Alejandro Hernandez, an assistant professor at Concordia University, underscores how programs in the U.S. affecting immigrants have been slashed or frozen, impacting citizens of countries like Haiti, Cuba, and Venezuela.
While there has been an increase in asylum seekers at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle crossing, Quebec and Canada have experienced an overall decline in asylum applications compared to the previous year. Quebec received around 21,100 applications this year, lower than the 30,500 applications received during the same period last year. Similarly, Canada saw a 43% decrease in asylum seekers, with approximately 32,700 applications this year compared to over 57,000 in 2024.
Haiti leads as the country of origin with the highest asylum applications at CBSA land border ports of entry in 2025, followed by the United States and Venezuela. The attraction to Quebec among Haitian individuals is noted due to its status as a French-speaking province.
Khalil mentions a notable increase in American citizens seeking asylum in Canada this year, particularly from marginalized groups like the LGBTQ community and people of color. These individuals cite increased aggression within U.S. communities as a driving force behind their decision to seek asylum in Canada.
