Canada's Asylum System Bypassed Security Checks for 25,000 Refugees
A startling exposé from the C.D. Howe Institute has uncovered that Canada's immigration authorities, overwhelmed by a surge in asylum claims, eliminated critical security protocols, granting refugee status to nearly 25,000 individuals without any in-person interviews. This unprecedented move occurred as the country faced record numbers of border-crossers and asylum seekers, raising alarms about potential risks from fraudsters, human traffickers, and terrorists.
Inside the File Review System
The report, authored by former Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada policy director James Yousif, details a new system called File Review. Implemented to reduce a growing backlog, this process allowed the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada to approve asylum claims based solely on written applications, bypassing traditional in-person scrutiny. Between January 2019 and February 2023, 24,599 people were accepted as refugees without ever meeting a government employee, marking a historic departure from Canada's post-World War II refugee practices.
High-Risk Countries on the Secret List
File Review targeted nationals from a confidential "Country List" of 24 nations, obtained through an Access to Information request. This list includes some of the world's most dangerous and unstable countries, such as:
- Russia
- Afghanistan
- Yemen
- Venezuela
- Eritrea
- North Korea
These countries are known for high levels of criminality, terrorism, and state hostility toward Canada, making the lack of screening particularly concerning. The report emphasizes that individuals from these nations could enter Canada, file an asylum claim, and receive approval by mail without any direct questioning.
Backdrop of Overwhelming Pressure
The shift to automated processes came as Canada experienced a significant influx of illegal border-crossers and asylum claimants after 2017. In response, the federal government slashed controls designed to weed out threats, prioritizing speed over security. This decision has sparked debate about the balance between humanitarian obligations and national safety, with critics arguing that it leaves the system vulnerable to exploitation.
The C.D. Howe Institute, typically focused on economic research, has highlighted a critical flaw in Canada's immigration framework. As the country continues to navigate complex global migration trends, this report underscores the need for robust protocols to ensure both compassion and security in refugee admissions.
