December 26, 2024
THIMPHU – Harsh working conditions, unemployment, and high living costs have driven over 300 Bhutanese, particularly students, to cross the 8,891-kilometre-long Canada-US border, the longest in the world, into the United States from Canada and Mexico.
In total, the US authorities apprehended more than 23,000 people near the US-Canada border in 12 months as of October this year, which is over double the previous year.
On December 20, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MoFAET) called for a stakeholder consultation meeting with relevant agencies to draft strategies and remedies aimed at preventing Bhutanese nationals living in Canada from illegally crossing the border into the United States.
The strategy is planned for discussion today after the Department of Bilateral Affairs, MoFAET received a report from the Bhutan’s Consulate General in New York, the USA.
According to sources, some agents and consultancies in Bhutan encourage and facilitate Bhutanese migration to Canada, promising assistance and ongoing support.
“Agents in Bhutan who lure Bhutanese to go to Canada has to be mindful of their acts,” the source said. “Their business is leading to the lives of Bhutanese at risk.”
One source revealed that the challenges faced in Canada have driven some Bhutanese to opt for illegal entry into the United States, lured by the hope of better earning opportunities.
“Some are made to pay over USD 4,000 to 5,000 with assurances of safe entry into the US, but the process is far more difficult than promised,” the source stated.
Efforts to contact the current Consul General of the Kingdom of Bhutan were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the MoFAET in Bhutan is addressing the issue but has declined to comment at this time.
What is the Canadian government doing?
According to a December 17 news release from the Canadian Government, a new Border Plan for Canada was unveiled. The strategy was developed by Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs (MoFIA); Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (MoIRC); and Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions (MoMHA).
The Plan, supported by a USD 1.3 billion investment, is built around five pillars aimed at bolstering border security, strengthening the immigration system, and ensuring Canada’s future prosperity.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that USD 909 million would be allocated to border security over six years. The plan prioritises combating fentanyl trafficking, addressing irregular migration, and tackling organised crime.
“Canada takes pride in our border and law enforcement agencies that protect our communities and support our economy day in and day out. They also expect their government to support them in their ability to do that important work – and that’s exactly what Canada’s Border Plan will do,” Dominic LeBlanc (MoFIA) said.
The news release also stated that the Government of Canada will increase support to law enforcement agencies in detecting, intercepting and addressing fentanyl and precursor chemicals by adding artificial intelligence and imaging tools that will further help detect illegal drugs before they enter Canada.
Canadian police reported to international media that they have installed more cameras and sensors over the most-traversed section of the border over the past four years. Yet, they acknowledge there is little they can do to stop southbound crossers.
Moreover, Canada is already attempting that – granting fewer visas and turning away visa-holders. Canada also plans to amend its immigration law to allow authorities to “cancel, suspend, or vary immigration documents for reasons deemed in the public interest.”
As well, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will train and deploy new canine teams to intercept illegal drugs. “The agency currently has over 80 detector dog teams located at various ports of entry across Canada. CBSA will also deploy new chemical detection tools at high-risk ports of entry.”
Health Canada will create a new Canadian Drug Profiling Centre to support 2,000 investigations a year, and expand capacity at regional labs.
Furthermore, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will deploy a new Aerial Intelligence Task Force comprised of helicopters, drones, and mobile surveillance towers. “Counter-drone technology will support RCMP officers and provide 24/7 surveillance between ports of entry.”
The ministers and government officials discussed on increased information sharing between Canadian and US., officials on each illegal border interception enables officials to target and take stronger action against those who abuse the system.
“As we continue working with the United States to protect the safety of both sides of the border, we continue to offer protection to the world’s most vulnerable while maintaining an immigration system that Canadians can trust,” Marc Miller (MoIRC) said.
Canada has been under pressure to beef up its border with the US since Trump threatened Canada and Mexico with sweeping 25 percent tariffs if they did not stem the movement of migrants and drugs into the United States.
The government of Canada invested USD 743.5 million in the last five years—including USD 159.5 million ongoing, to support the stability and integrity of Canada’s asylum system, increasing processing and decision-making capacity.