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In a dramatic shift in immigration enforcement, Canada has recorded its highest levels of deportations since 2015. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has ramped up its efforts, with 7,300 removals recorded between January 1 and November 19, 2024—a marked 8.4% increase over the entire 2023 and an astounding 95% jump from 2022.
A Record Year for Deportations
The surge in removals comes at a time when nearly half a million foreign nationals are flagged for potential deportation. As of 31 December 2024, approximately 485,359 individuals were listed in the CBSA’s removal inventory. This figure is split regionally, with 120,273 in Ontario, 197,029 in Quebec, and about 123,000 cases unassigned to any specific region. Of these, nearly 30,000 individuals are actively being sought by authorities, while 21,000 remain in limbo due to legal or logistical barriers.
Who Is Being Deported?
Data reveals that 79% of the deportations to date have targeted failed refugee claimants—a noteworthy increase from previous years (75% in 2023 and 66% in 2022). The remaining removals include 11% for overstaying visas or other terms of stay violations, and 7% for criminal convictions. These figures underscore the government’s focus on addressing a decades-long backlog of asylum claims, which last month hit a record 278,457 pending applications.
Luke Reimer, a spokesperson for the CBSA, explained,
> "The significant increase in removals of those who received a negative asylum determination has been a consistent trend since emerging from the pandemic. These efforts are essential in maintaining the integrity of Canada’s asylum system."
Why Now? Political and Economic Pressures
Facing mounting domestic pressure amid housing shortages and rising security concerns in cities such as Toronto and Vancouver, the Canadian administration appears determined to signal a tougher stance on immigration. Critics contend that the influx of newcomers—both permanent residents and temporary workers—is exacerbating the housing crisis, driving up rents and property prices across the country.
In response, the government has bolstered its border security and deportation efforts. Over the 2023–24 period, the CBSA’s expenditure on deportations increased from C$56 million to C$65.8 million, with an additional C$30.5 million allocated over the next three years. Moreover, Canada has committed a substantial C$1.3 billion to enhance border security—moves partly motivated by external pressures, including threats of tariffs amid ongoing U.S.-Canada discussions on migration.
Audrey Macklin, a law professor and Human Rights Chair at the University of Toronto, observed,
> "Decisive action on deportations sends a message. The government can showcase a high number of removals as a means of proving effective border policing. Often, the individuals targeted are those who are easier to locate and remove, such as failed refugee claimants."
The Human Cost of Tougher Enforcement
While proponents of these policies stress efficiency and system integrity, human rights advocates warn of the potential collateral damage. Aisling Bondy, president of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, highlighted concerns that some failed claimants might be deported even while still appealing decisions related to the risks they face in their home countries.
Critics worry that rushed procedures and procedural oversights could jeopardize the rights of vulnerable individuals, risking potential human rights violations if deportation decisions are founded on flawed risk assessments.
Regional Breakdown and Operational Challenges
Ontario and Quebec, as key entry points for migrants, shoulder the bulk of the removal burden. With over 60% of flagged cases in these provinces alone, logistical challenges abound. Moreover, the 123,000 unassigned cases illustrate the hurdles inherent in tracking and processing individuals across Canada’s vast geography. For the 21,000 “non-removable” cases, issues such as statelessness or missing travel documents have resulted in protracted stays, underscoring the operational limits of current enforcement strategies.
A Shifting Immigration Landscape
This surge in deportations comes amid broader policy changes aimed at curbing population growth. After years of welcoming record numbers to fuel economic growth and address labor shortages, the current government is now slashing limits on both temporary and permanent immigrant quotas. Recent data showing a drop in monthly refugee claims—from 19,821 in July 2024 to 11,838 in January 2025—suggests that tighter enforcement may be deterring future applications, even as a significant backlog of 278,457 claims persists.
Looking Ahead: More Deportations on the Horizon?
With an allocation of C$30.5 million for removals through 2027, it appears that the record-high deportations of 2024 may only be a precursor to further intensification of enforcement. The CBSA’s focus on “efficient and timely” deportations indicates that failed refugee claimants will likely remain the primary targets in the coming months. Furthermore, with Canada’s plan to encourage over 1.2 million temporary residents to leave in 2025 and another 1.1 million in 2026, the spotlight on deportation measures is set to intensify.
As Canada recalibrates its approach to immigration enforcement, the nation now faces a delicate balancing act—maintaining national security and addressing domestic concerns while upholding the humanitarian values that have long defined its identity on the world stage.
