High Alert: Canada is Preparing for Influx of Migrants Fleeing U.S.
Canadian authorities announced Friday they are on “high alert” and closely monitoring the U.S. border as the country braces for a potential rise in migrants from the United States.
- Authorities have a plan but worry about infrastructure strain
- Online searches for immigration to Canada surged
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged the largest mass deportation effort in American history, alleging that immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country.”
During Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2021, tens of thousands of migrants, including Haitians stripped of U.S. protections, fled north to Canada.
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“We’re on high alert,” said Royal Canadian Mounted Police spokesperson Sergeant Charles Poirier, adding, “All eyes are on the border as we anticipate Trump’s stance on immigration could increase illegal and irregular migration to Canada.”
In Ottawa, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland met Friday with a group of ministers focused on handling potential issues between Canada and the incoming Trump administration. She assured the public that Canada is prepared for a possible surge in migrants.
“We have a plan,” Freeland said during a press conference, though she did not provide details. “Canadians should know that our borders are safe, secure, and under control High Alert.”
Canada’s caution around a possible influx comes as the country reduces its own immigration targets. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government aims to slow population growth while improving infrastructure and social services. Quebec Premier Francois Legault also expressed concerns this week that an increased arrival of migrants could strain his province’s already limited resources.
Following Tuesday’s election, searches from the U.S. about moving to Canada surged tenfold. While the status of the searchers is unclear, some U.S. citizens opposed to Trump’s return have been exploring Canadian immigration options.
Google Trends reported spikes in searches for phrases like “immigrate to Canada,” “Canada immigration process,” and “how to move to Canada.”
Processing times for permanent residency applications currently take up to a year, while refugee claims face a projected 44-month wait.
Crossing into Canada outside of official checkpoints is illegal and especially risky in winter, Poirier noted, warning of potential frostbite, hypothermia, and even death High Alert.
In 2023, rule changes also made asylum claims more difficult for those crossing from the United States, with many likely to be returned.
Canada plans to increase border security, deploying more personnel along the 8,891-kilometer, unmilitarized border. Additional cameras, sensors, and drones have already been installed, and real-time information is being shared with the U.S.
Despite months of preparation, Poirier cautioned that if thousands of migrants arrive simultaneously across multiple border points, “it could become unmanageable.”
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