Amidst a surge in illegal border crossings and growing pressure from the U.S., Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a rollback of the country’s migrant worker program. This decision comes after intense domestic backlash and a strained relationship with the United States over immigration policies.
The Financial Times reports that the Canadian government has been pressured by the U.S. to curb the flow of migrant workers crossing the border. According to Glenn Cowan, founder and CEO of the security company One9, U.S. lawmakers are calling for a strengthened northern border due to fears of illegal migration from Canada. He believes that stemming the flow of worker visas will improve U.S.-Canada relations.
The rollback of the program marks a significant shift for Trudeau, who previously boasted about Canada’s welcoming immigration policies. However, facing a deficit in the polls ahead of next year’s election, Trudeau has acknowledged the need to balance immigration with responsible integration and pathways to success.
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized Trudeau’s handling of immigration, accusing him of destroying the country’s system and advocating for smaller population growth.
Under the new rules, the number of low-wage workers Canadian companies can hire will be slashed by 10-20%. While Trudeau has hinted at broader immigration reform later this year, some business leaders are concerned about the impact on the supply of cheap labor. Others have credited the program for helping Canada recover from the economic consequences of the pandemic.
However, critics argue that the influx of migrants has contributed to rising youth unemployment, skyrocketing housing costs, and strain on the country’s healthcare system.
Meanwhile, in the United States, President Biden and Vice President Harris are facing mounting pressure to address the surge in illegal crossings. The issue has become a top concern for voters, particularly as the November election approaches. Harris has attempted to adopt a tougher stance on immigration in response.
This simultaneous pressure on both sides of the border highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of immigration issues in North America. As both countries grapple with these challenges, it remains to be seen how the rollback of Canada’s migrant worker program will impact bilateral relations and the overall immigration landscape.
