Donald Trump has always been
vocal about securing America’s borders, particularly with Mexico. But now, in a
surprising twist, he’s turning his attention to the U.S.-Canada border. Why?
What’s really going on up north? Let’s break it down.
Trump’s Latest Claims: Crime and Tariffs
In a recent post on Truth
Social, Trump claimed that migrants were “pouring through Mexico and Canada,”
bringing crime and drugs “at levels never seen before.” His proposed solution?
A 25% tariff on all imports from both countries. While this might sound dramatic,
there’s more to the story.
Are Illegal Crossings Really That Bad at the Northern Border?
Yes, crossings have
increased—but let’s put it into perspective.
Northern border crossings: In
the 2024 fiscal year, over 23,000 arrests were made, up from 2,000 in 2022.
Most of these arrests occurred in the Swanton Sector, covering parts of
Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York.
Southern border comparison: The
numbers at the southern border are still far higher. In December 2023 alone,
nearly 250,000 arrests were made.
So, while the increase at the
northern border is significant, it’s still a fraction of what’s happening in
the south.
What’s Driving the Spike in Northern Crossings?
Interestingly, most of these
crossings involve Indian nationals. Why?
Canada as a Stepping Stone:
Many Indian migrants enter Canada on temporary visas and then head for the U.S.
border.
Social Media Influence: Ads on
platforms like TikTok promote these routes. One ad even promises a “100% safe
route” from Brampton, Ontario (home to a large South Asian community) to New
York by taxi.
This trend has turned Canada
into a gateway for those aiming to reach the U.S.
How Are Authorities Responding?
The U.S. government isn’t sitting idle:
More personnel have been
deployed to the northern border.
Tighter asylum rules have been
introduced, limiting the time migrants have to find lawyers and submit
evidence.
Safe Third Country Agreement
Expansion: This 2002 pact allows Canada and the U.S. to send back asylum
seekers if they arrive from the other country. In 2023, it was expanded to
include the entire land border, making it harder for migrants to stay.
Results? In August, the U.S.
turned back 400 migrants, most of them Indian nationals. Arrests have
fluctuated, peaking at 3,600 in June but dropping to 1,300 by October.
Trump’s “Border Czar” and National Security Concerns
Trump’s newly appointed “border
czar,” Thomas D. Homan, has labeled the situation a “huge national security
issue.” While there’s no hard evidence linking northern crossings to increased
crime, the narrative plays into Trump’s broader push for stricter immigration
controls.
A Look Ahead: What Could Happen?
With Trump set to take office
again, expect a focus on Canada as part of his border strategy. Whether tariffs
or stricter immigration measures are implemented remains to be seen.
Final Thoughts: Is Canada Really a Problem?
While the numbers have risen, keeping things in perspective is essential. The northern border doesn’t face
the same scale of challenges as the southern one. But the political spotlight
on it means changes could be coming.
What do you think?
Should Canada’s border security be a priority for the U.S.? Let me know your
thoughts in the comments below!
