Canada on ‘high alert’, braces for potential migrant surge from US after Trump’s return to power – Times of India

Canadian authorities are on “high alert” ahead of a possible influx of migrants from the United States, as the country braces for the impact of US President-elect Donald Trump’s tough immigration policies.
Trump has vowed to carry out the largest mass deportation in US history, stoking fears of increased illegal and irregular migration to Canada.
As per the news agency AFP, the day after Trump won the election, online searches in the US over moving to Canada surged with terms like “immigrate to Canada” and “how to move to Canada.” These search results showed growing anxiety about the incoming administration’s immigration policies, though the legal status of those making these inquiries remains unclear.
Also read: ‘Move to Canada’ searches go up on Google in the US
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Sergeant Charles Poirier confirmed that officials are monitoring the US border closely. “We know that Trump’s stance on immigration might drive up illegal and irregular migration to Canada,” he said, expressing concern that it could lead to a surge in border crossings.
RCMP has been ramping up its presence along the 5,525-mile-long border, which is the world’s longest unmilitarized border.
In addition to deploying more officers, the Canadian authorities have set up cameras, sensors, and drones to monitor the situation. Real-time information is being exchanged between Canada and the US, but Poirier warned that if thousands of migrants attempt to cross all at once, the situation could become unmanageable.
In response, Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland assured the public that the government has a plan in place to handle any potential challenges.
“We have a plan,” Freeland told during a news conference but declined to provide specifics, reported the news agency AFP. She reassured Canadians that their borders remain “safe and secure,” despite concerns about a possible rise in migrant arrivals.
As Canada prepares, it is also cutting its own immigration targets, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government aiming to slow population growth to focus on bolstering infrastructure and social services.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault voiced concerns over the strain on the province’s ability to accommodate large numbers of migrants, fearing it could overwhelm housing and resources.
Canada’s response comes at a time when the US has made it harder for migrants to make successful asylum claims, particularly for those coming from the United States. The wait time for refugee claims in Canada now extends to up to 44 months, and any migrants attempting to enter through unofficial border points risk being turned back or facing severe dangers.
Also read: After Donald Trump’s victory, Americans explore moving abroad options online
As winter approaches, authorities are particularly concerned about the dangers migrants face when attempting to cross illegally through forests, lakes, and rivers, which can result in frostbite, hypothermia, and even death.