Canada Introduces Bill C-2 to Crack Down on Asylum Claims and Border Crossings

In a major shift for Canadian immigration policy, the federal government has introduced Bill C-2, a sweeping proposal that would significantly tighten eligibility requirements for asylum seekers. If passed, Canada’s border bill legislation could block thousands of refugee claims, particularly from individuals who crossed the Canada-U.S. land border irregularly or filed asylum applications more than a year after entering the country.

Titled “An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures,” the bill entered its first reading in Parliament on June 3, 2025. The proposal comes amid growing political pressure to address border security and the increasing number of asylum claims in recent years.

Key Changes in Bill C-2

One of the most contentious aspects of the bill is its retroactive restriction on asylum eligibility for certain individuals. Under the proposed law, foreign nationals would become ineligible to claim refugee protection in Canada if:

• They entered Canada after June 24, 2020, and

• Filed their claim more than one year after entering the country.

This change would affect numerous claimants who arrived years ago but are only now able or ready to file their refugee applications.

Additionally, the bill targets irregular border crossings, particularly those along the Canada-U.S. land border. While current laws allow refugee claims from individuals who cross the border outside official ports of entry (as long as they wait 14 days before filing), Bill C-2 would eliminate this grace period, rendering such claimants automatically ineligible.

Expanded Government Powers

Beyond eligibility changes, Bill C-2 also grants broad new powers to the federal cabinet, allowing the Governor in Council to take sweeping actions deemed in the “public interest,” such as:

• Refusing to accept specific immigration applications,

• Suspending or terminating application processing,

• Cancelling or modifying immigration documents, and

• Imposing new conditions on immigration status or travel permits.

The border bill also broadens the ability to share personal information across government departments and increases the authority to summon individuals for examination by immigration officials.

What Happens Next?

As with all Canadian legislation, Bill C-2 must pass three readings in both the House of Commons and Senate, followed by royal assent, before becoming law. However, because the new rules apply retroactively to any asylum claim filed after the bill’s introduction, their impact could be felt almost immediately once the Canada border bill is enacted.

Critics are already voicing concern over the bill’s potential to violate international refugee obligations and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Human rights advocates argue that limiting claims based on time and entry methods could put genuine asylum seekers at risk.

As this is a developing story, further analysis and political responses are expected in the coming days.