Canada's Bill C-12 Introduces Stricter Borders and Refugee Claim Rules Amid Controversy
Bill C-12, titled Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, was fast-tracked and passed its third reading in the House of Commons on 11 December 2025. Senate approval is expected by February 2026 for it to become law. The bill enacts broad border-security measures and establishes new ineligibility rules for refugee claimants.
Under the new rules, asylum claims made more than one year after arrival will be referred to an immigration officer for a pre-removal risk assessment, rather than to the Immigration and Refugee Board, a process known for its high rejection rate. Additionally, asylum claims made at the US land border after 14 days would no longer be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Critics argue that the bill expands executive power, enables increased information sharing among government agencies, and allows the cancellation or alteration of immigration documents or processes. Scholars, including Idil Atak and Audrey Macklin, warn that the legislation resembles US-style border policies and could erode refugee protections.
These legislative developments occur amid Canada's ongoing restrictions on international students since 2024 and debates regarding the role of migrants in affordability pressures, with voices such as activist Syed Hussan commenting on the broader impact. In 2024, Canada deported approximately 18,000 people—marking the highest number since 2006–2015—at an estimated cost of $78 million, representing a 50% increase from 2019 levels.
The bill also touches on the Safe Third Country framework with the United States, which critics argue is problematic because the US has not met the criteria for being a “safe” country. Concerns are heightened by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids that undermine refugee protections.
