Severe control storm at Canadian border: Tens of thousands of people denied repatriation, visas invalidated

According to government data obtained by Reuters, the Canadian government is tightening its entry policies for tourists and temporary residents by reducing the number of visas issued and denying more entry to those holding official documents.

In recent years, the Canadian federal government has attempted to reduce the number of temporary and even permanent residents. The number of foreign tourists denied entry by customs has significantly increased, mainly due to immigration being blamed as one of the reasons for housing shortages and high housing prices.

Canada has always been proud of accepting new immigrants, but the latest public opinion poll shows that more and more Canadians believe that the country has accepted too many immigrants. This concept has gradually influenced the work attitude of border and immigration officials.

According to previously undisclosed border agency data, in July of this year, Canada denied entry to 5853 foreign travelers, including international students, workers, and tourists. This data is the highest record since January 2019.

In the first seven months of 2024, border officials rejected an average of 3727 foreign tourists per month, an increase of 633 people or 20% compared to the same period last year.

In addition, data shows that in July, border officials ruled 285 visa holders ineligible for entry, the highest number since January 2019.

A spokesperson for the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) stated that this change may be caused by changes in immigration patterns or policies and will be determined based on individual circumstances.

At the same time, the number of visas approved by Canadian immigration authorities is also decreasing.

The data shows that the proportion of rejected visitor visas to approved applications in June was higher than at any time since the peak of the pandemic. According to immigration data, in January, February, May, and June 2024, there were more rejected applications than approved ones.

In addition, the number of approved study visas and work visas has also shown a downward trend from their highs since 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Canadians want a system that won't get out of control, "Immigration Minister Marc Miller said in August.

Eight lawyers told Reuters that their clients have reported stricter scrutiny of visa holders at Canadian airports and land border ports.

British Columbia Chinese lawyer Will Tao said that his six clients landed in Canada on visas, but border officials did not believe in their plans to stay in Canada and advised them to voluntarily return, otherwise they would face the risk of deportation.

Some people have followed the instructions, but are unaware that it may have an impact on their visas, and in severe cases, they may even have their visas cancelled.

Lawyer Tao believes that the increasing skepticism among border officials is due to the government's "180 degree" shift in attitude towards immigration issues.