The influx of asylum seekers at Quebec’s Lacolle border crossing has surged significantly this summer, escalating by five times compared to earlier this year. As of late July, over 3,000 individuals had sought asylum there, marking a near tripling of June’s figures. This sharp rise has raised alarm among Montrea-based organizations that assist refugee claimants, as they struggle to provide essential housing, legal services, and social assistance to the increasing number of arrivals.
Organizations like La Traverse, a shelter in Montreal North, have reported a dramatic increase in the number of clients, with figures jumping from about 20 to 30 asylum seekers per month to 60 or 70. Most of these individuals are of Haitian origin, fleeing the United States due to stringent immigration policies. The situation in Haiti remains dire, contributing to the fears of many, like Haitian Montrealer Shara Deriscar, who express dread over potential deportation back to their troubled homeland.
Advocacy groups have noted that many asylum seekers are resorting to crossing at irregular border points, fueled by fears and uncertainty. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have corroborated the trend, observing a notable rise in illegal crossings in recent weeks. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has highlighted that Haitian nationals constitute the largest group making asylum claims at land borders this summer.
The challenges faced by shelters and support organizations are multifaceted, ranging from immediate needs for accommodation to longer-term provisions of legal guidance and social services. With resources increasingly stretched, there are worries about the overall wellbeing of the new arrivals. Such an influx not only tests the capacity of local services but also poses significant challenges to the asylum process itself.
Communities rallying to support these newcomers are often overwhelmed, as local organizations scramble to keep pace with the influx. Many volunteers and staff are working tirelessly under pressure to provide necessary resources, including food and temporary housing, while also navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding asylum claims.
Overall, this surge in asylum seekers at Quebec’s Lacolle border crossing highlights not just the immediate humanitarian crisis but also the broader implications for immigration policy and community support systems in Canada. The ongoing situation underscores the urgency for comprehensive responses to assist both newcomers and the organizations that aim to support them, as well as the critical need for ongoing dialogue around immigration and asylum in North America.
