On May 6, 2025, Amnesty International appealed to Canada, calling for compassion and the acceptance of undocumented migrants fleeing the United States.
The statement emphasized that amid increasingly repressive immigration policies in the U.S., Canada should take a leadership role in defending human rights and offer asylum to those in need.
According to various sources, there are currently between 11 and 16.8 million undocumented migrants living in the United States:
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — 11 million (2022);
- Migration Policy Institute — 10.9 million;
- Center for Immigration Studies — 14 million (2024);
- FAIR — 16.8 million (2023).
Many of these people live in border states and face the threat of deportation. Some choose to take the dangerous route of crossing the Canadian border on foot, through forests and snowy terrain, in the hope of finding protection in Canada.
In response to the increasing number of such crossings, Canada is strengthening its border security. However, Amnesty International insists that humanity must come before repression. The organization also welcomed the decision by all 10 provinces to end the use of jails for holding migrants detained for immigration reasons.
But is Canada ready to accept these people?
In practice, the country faces serious internal challenges:
- Housing crisis: rent prices in major cities are reaching record highs, and affordable housing is scarce.
- Unemployment and labor market pressure: particularly in entry-level sectors and in regions with high concentrations of new immigrants.
- Pressure on social and healthcare services.
Canada’s immigration plan for 2024–2026 provides for the admission of up to 500,000 new permanent residents per year, but refugees account for only about 15% of this number.
According to official data:
- In 2024, around 76,000 refugees and humanitarian cases are expected to be accepted.
- In 2025 and 2026 — 72,750 individuals per year.
This category includes:
- Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR)
- Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSR)
- Asylum seekers within Canada, including those arriving illegally from the U.S.
However, the system is already overloaded, and asylum applications can take years to process. A further influx of refugees through the southern border could destabilize immigration services and increase social tension.
Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions with the United States are rising. Recently, President Donald Trump referred to Canada as the “51st state.”
Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard strongly condemned this statement during a speech in Ottawa:
“An attack on Canada’s territorial integrity is unacceptable. This is a violation of international law.”
Despite internal challenges, Amnesty International calls on Canada to remain true to its humanitarian principles and set an example for other nations.
But Canadian society remains divided: some support helping the vulnerable, while others ask:
“How can we help others if we are not coping with our own problems?”
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments.