Entry to Canada Becomes More Difficult; Visa Applications of More Applicants Rejected

Canada is trying to further reduce border crossings by decreasing visa issuance and rejecting individuals who arrive at its borders with official documents. Reuters reports, based on official data from the Canadian government, that this significant increase in the rejection of foreign travelers occurs as Justin Trudeau's Liberal government, which is lagging in polls for next year's Canadian elections, attempts to reduce the number of temporary residents and possibly permanent immigrants, as an increasing number of people view immigrants as a cause of housing shortages and rising costs. Canadians have always prided themselves on being welcoming to immigrants. However, polls show that many believe Canada is accepting too many immigrants. According to data from the Canada Border Services Agency, this year in July, the country prevented the entry of 5,853 foreign travelers, referred to as 'individuals allowed to exit,' which includes students, workers, and tourists. Border officers, on average, prevented the entry of over 3,700 foreign travelers monthly from January to June of this year, which is an increase of 633 individuals, or about 20%, compared to the same period last year. Officials also deemed 285 visas 'unacceptable' in July, marking the highest monthly rate since January 2019. A spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency told Reuters that changes in rejections may stem from immigration patterns or policy changes, with decisions made on a case-by-case basis, but the agency has not announced any specific policy changes. The spokesperson added that the agency's policy and practice in evaluating the acceptance of individuals coming to Canada has not changed. Eight lawyers have informed Reuters that their clients have reported 'more thorough scrutiny' of visa holders at airports and border crossings. One lawyer, who represents several visa holders, stated that border officials did not believe the nature of their clients' programs in Canada and suggested they voluntarily return or face the risk of deportation. This lawyer attributes the increased skepticism among border officers to a '180-degree' shift in the government's immigration stance. Recently, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that it has revoked a temporary work permit application law for foreigners entering the country on tourist visas. Under this law, foreign tourists entering Canada could apply for a work permit and remain in the country if their application was approved. One reason the immigration department revoked this law earlier than scheduled was the abuse by 'bad elements.' According to this department, individuals misused this law to mislead foreign nationals into working without permits in Canada.