The Canadian government introduced Bill C-2 on June 3, 2025, a sweeping immigration and security bill aimed at restricting asylum claims, enhancing border security, and addressing “growing migration pressures.” The legislation grants authorities new powers to search mail, pause or cancel immigration applications, and expand the Canadian Coast Guard’s role in security operations. It also includes measures to crack down on illegal border crossings and organized crime, reflecting concerns about U.S.-Canada border dynamics.
The bill has sparked polarized reactions. Supporters, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, argue it strengthens national security and ensures a sustainable immigration system. The government cites increased asylum claims at the Quebec-New York border, such as Roxham Road, as justification for tighter controls. However, critics like NDP MP Jenny Kwan call the measures “alarming,” warning they could erode refugee rights and disproportionately affect vulnerable migrants. The bill’s provisions to inspect mail and halt applications have raised privacy concerns, with civil liberties groups vowing to challenge the legislation.
Public discourse on social media highlights the bill’s divisive nature, with some praising the focus on border security and others decrying it as a departure from Canada’s humanitarian traditions. The Liberal government faces pressure to balance security with compassion, especially as global migration trends intensify. As Bill C-2 moves through Parliament, its passage could reshape Canada’s immigration landscape and influence U.S.-Canada relations, particularly amid heightened trade and security tensions.
