
January 21, 2025
Canada’s Border Security Plan: Recent Developments and Key Updates, with Aims to Increase Removals by 25% in 2025
In December 2024, Canada introduced a comprehensive Border Plan as part of a $1.3 billion initiative to bolster border security and enhance immigration integrity. While our previous blog focused on the government’s decision to end flagpoling and its implications, this post provides an update on the broader measures announced on January 15, 2025, and their early impacts.
Strengthening the Canada-U.S. Border: Progress to Date
The Canadian government has implemented several significant measures to secure the Canada-U.S. border and maintain the integrity of the immigration system. These measures aim to address challenges such as irregular border crossings, visa fraud, and transnational crime. Below are key highlights from recent updates:
- Real-Time Surveillance and Technology Enhancements
To reinforce border security, the government has deployed advanced technologies and expanded surveillance capabilities. This includes:
- 60 new drones monitoring the Canada-U.S. border, with additional surveillance towers and advanced tools like x-ray systems and hand-held chemical analyzers set to be introduced.
- Investments in AI-driven imaging tools and expanded detection capabilities through new canine teams and radiation portal monitors.
- Increased real-time intelligence sharing between Canada and the U.S., enhancing both countries’ ability to identify and intercept high-risk individuals and illegal goods.
- Addressing Irregular Migration
Following an additional protocol to the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), irregular border crossings have dropped significantly. Asylum claims from individuals crossing the border illegally have decreased from an average of 165 daily in March 2023 to just 12 per day. Similarly, measures like the partial visa requirement for Mexican nationals have reduced asylum claims by 97% at airports.
- Increased Enforcement and Removal Efforts
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) removed over 16,000 individuals in 2024 and aims to increase removals by 25% in 2025. This aligns with the government’s goal to maintain immigration system integrity and address fraudulent claims effectively.
- Combating Organized Crime and Fentanyl Trafficking
The RCMP and CBSA are leading efforts to disrupt transnational crime and the fentanyl trade. Key actions include:
- Establishing a Joint Intelligence Group to enhance collaboration across law enforcement agencies.
- Strengthening financial crime investigations with new authorities and tools to target money laundering linked to organized crime.
- Expanding border enforcement teams and developing a Canada-U.S. strike force to dismantle criminal networks.
Reforms to Immigration Processing and Fraud Prevention
The government has introduced reforms to tighten visa and work permit processing while addressing systemic fraud and abuse. These include:
- International Student Program Reforms: By verifying post-secondary institution acceptance letters, the government has reduced illegal border crossings by study permit holders by 91%.
- Changes to Temporary Foreign Worker Programs: Stricter eligibility criteria have been introduced to prevent misuse and ensure the programs serve their intended purpose.
- Enhanced Visitor Visa Screening: Focused scrutiny on applications from high-risk countries has led to an 89% drop in illegal U.S. crossings by foreign nationals from Canada.
As discussed in our previous blog, the government’s decision to end flagpoling has been a pivotal shift in immigration policy. While this move aims to reduce unnecessary border volumes and streamline resources, it underscores the need for robust inland processing systems to avoid creating bottlenecks.
The latest updates suggest that Canada is doubling down on its commitment to modernizing its immigration system and ensuring that policies align with national security priorities. However, the long-term success of these measures will depend on addressing processing delays and providing transparent, equitable solutions for those impacted by these changes and the deployment of emerging technologies. The Border Plan represents a significant investment in Canada’s security and immigration infrastructure. As implementation continues, close monitoring and engagement with stakeholders will be essential to ensuring that these measures achieve their intended goals.
For more insights on Canadian immigration law and policy, stay connected with our blog.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.