- INDEPTH: Immigration overview
Before the rules took effect, many would take flights to the United States – where more international flights land – then cross the border into Canada, where the refugee system is more welcoming.
Traffic at border crossings was heavy leading up to the deadline, as hundreds of prospective refugees tried to beat the clock into Canada over the past month.
The traffic peaked on Dec. 23 and 24, when nearly 500 individuals crammed the border crossing at Niagara Falls and had to be put in school buses to stay warm while they waited to be processed.
- FROM DEC. 7, 2002: 'Safe third country' pact puts refugees at risk, say critics
Canadian officials had anticipated an even larger glut of last-minute asylum seekers, but a change that allowed Canadian border officials to process claimants at a Buffalo, N.Y., shelter helped reduce the rush.
Other border crossings were busy, as well.
The crossing at Lacolle, Que., saw refugee claims more than triple in recent days, said a spokesperson for the Canadian Border Services Agency.
Richard Saint-Louis said the crossing received 19 refugee claimants on Sunday and about 12 on Monday morning. On an average day, officials would process an average of five claimants.
The federal government says the new rules will tighten security in the refugee system, but human rights groups warn they will only encourage more illegal border crossings.
Worse, the Canadian Council for Refugees is concerned that Ottawa could be breaking international law.
"By sending a refugee claimant away without even hearing why they fear persecution, Canada is at risk of violating its obligations of protecting refugees," said Janet Dench, executive director of the Canadian Council for Refugees.
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