The United States and Canada have announced the closure of a loophole that allowed asylum-seekers to cross the border between the two countries. The new policy, which was jointly agreed upon by both countries, states that any asylum-seekers who lack U.S. or Canadian citizenship and are caught within 14 days of crossing will be sent back across the border.
According to government officials, this move is aimed at reducing illegal immigration and ensuring that only those who meet the criteria for asylum are allowed into their respective countries.
In recent years, there has been a surge in illegal immigration from Central America into North America. Many people fleeing violence and poverty in their home countries have attempted to seek refuge in either Canada or the United States by crossing overland borders.
However, this has led to an increase in cases of human smuggling and trafficking across these borders. In addition, many migrants have been forced to endure dangerous conditions while attempting to cross these borders without proper documentation or legal status.
Under this new policy, any individuals found attempting to cross illegally into either country will be immediately returned back across the border. This includes those who claim they are seeking asylum due to fear of persecution or other dangers in their home country.
Both governments have stated that they remain committed to providing protection for genuine refugees who meet all legal requirements for entry into their respective countries. However, they stress that this can only be achieved through official channels such as refugee resettlement programs rather than through illegal crossings at land borders.
This new policy marks a significant change in approach towards dealing with irregular migration across North American land borders. While it may face criticism from human rights groups concerned about access to protection for vulnerable populations, it is seen as a necessary step towards ensuring greater security along these critical international boundaries.