In short:
- Bill C-2 (Strong Borders Act) empowers CBSA officers to practice their expanded power and accelerate deportation timelines.
- Failed refugee claimants, inadmissible individuals, and those with removal orders will face the most impact.
- Legal appeals like judicial review and PRRA will still be possible, however strict deadlines apply.
Have you ever been told to leave Canada or had your refugee claim turned down? If so, the new Canada Strong Borders Act (Bill C-2) might change everything.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree introduced this bill on 3rd June, with the aim to strengthen border security and combat crime by amending major laws. These include the Customs Act, Criminal Code, and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act. Streamlining strict rules of Canadian immigration has been a challenge for government authorities. The bill would allow relevant officials to enforce tightened immigration laws with greater authority.
Who Is the ‘Most’ Affected?
For those facing a removal order, the Strong Borders Act Bill C-2 introduces faster deportation processes and tougher rules. While it’s not law yet, its early passage signals big changes ahead, especially for vulnerable groups. Therefore, seeking an experienced immigration lawyer right away is the only way to secure your status in Canada.
Bill C-2’s proposed changes target specific people. If this sounds like you or a loved one, pay close attention:
- Failed Refugee Claimants: If your refugee claim was denied in Canada, then the ‘Strong Borders Act’ could speed up your removal process. You would have fewer chances to file an appeal.
- Inadmissible Individuals: Those labelled as inadmissible due to security risks, crimes, or misrepresentation will face quicker deportation as law enforcement powers expand.
- People Under Removal Orders: If you have already received an order to leave, the new law will empower CBSA’s authority to take swift action against you.
What’s Changed Under ‘Strong Borders Act’ Bill C-2?
As established earlier, the immigration landscape in Canada was already shrinking since 2024; and Bill C-2 has brought significant momentum to that trend. Now the process to deport designated people from Canada has been fast-tracked immensely. Here’s what you should know:
- Removal orders may now be carried out in 15 days instead of 30. This means that you will have less time to act if your refugee claim gets denied or you’re found inadmissible.
- Access to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) and Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) will become limited, especially for cases that involve criminality. This would reduce your chances to challenge decisions in court vastly.
- Changes to the Customs Act and Criminal Code will give CBSA officers the power to arrest anyone who displays signs of flight risk or security threat. They would not be required to involve the court immediately.
- Updates to the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act have allowed countries to work together with ease. Now any individual linked to cross-border crimes will be removed quickly.
These proposed changes are still under debate, and they would only take effect if Bill C-2 passes. If you are someone who will be directly impacted by this change, then seeking trusted immigration legal help will become more urgent than ever.
What Are Your Legal Options?
You will still have ways to fight removal, but you must make your move quickly. Here are your options:
- Judicial Review:
- With the help of an immigration lawyer, you can ask the Federal Court to check an IRB or CBSA decision for mistakes. Please note, this must be filed fast, as in within 15 days, or you risk your future in Canada.
- Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA):
- If your refugee claim was denied, a PRRA lets you show new risks (e.g., danger if deported). An experienced lawyer can help you show evidence of danger efficiently.
How Nanda & Associate Lawyers Can Help?
We know how stressful this news can be! But don’t panic, you still have a chance to protect your future in Canada.
With Nanda & Associate lawyers by your side, your rights will remain protected throughout. Our aim is to help you understand the complexities of the Strong Borders Act accurately. This will not only help you in making informed decisions but also have clear expectations.
Our legal team will dedicate themselves in developing strategic solutions that fulfills your unique needs. We will audit your immigration documents to prevent issues under IRCC’s expanded powers, securing your study, work, or permanent resident status. Don’t delay and get legal help now.
Call our immigration lawyers at 905-405-0199 for a free consultation today.
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