Canada is turning away a growing number of asylum-seekers at its border with the United States under the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), new data shows. Lawyers warn that some eligible claimants are being wrongly denied entry, raising serious legal and humanitarian concerns.
Record Turnbacks in 2025
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported that 3,282 people were turned back in the first eight months of 2025, compared with 2,481 in the same period of 2024.
In July 2025, Canada returned 789 people — the highest monthly total in over a decade.
The STCA, expanded in 2023, requires asylum-seekers to apply in the first safe country they enter, unless they qualify for exemptions.
A CBSA spokesperson declined to comment on the reasons for the increase.
U.S. Deportation Risks
Once returned, asylum-seekers fall under U.S. authority. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says that if claims fail and home countries refuse re-entry, individuals may face deportation to third countries.
Assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated:
“If their home country will not take them, we will make arrangements for them to go to another country.”
Since returning to office in January, U.S. President Donald Trump has prioritized faster deportations, including removals to third countries.
Cases Raise Legal Concerns
Lawyers point to recent cases where eligible claimants were wrongly denied entry into Canada:
Rahel Negassi, a 50-year-old Eritrean nurse, was initially turned back despite DNA proof of a brother in Ontario. She was detained for two months in Texas before re-entering Canada after an appeal.
A stateless Palestinian was also denied despite his eligibility under the agreement.
Lawyer Heather Neufeld said:
“The stakes have become so high. If someone is returned, detention is more likely than not.”
Broader Implications
The increase in turnbacks underscores the legal and humanitarian challenges at the Canada–U.S. border. Critics argue Canada may be violating its asylum commitments by denying entry to eligible claimants.
The CBSA has said its role ends once asylum-seekers are handed over to U.S. authorities.
