Rising Turnbacks at Canadian Border: Asylum-Seekers Caught in Bilateral Pact

A growing number of asylum-seekers are being sent back from Canada to the U.S. under a bilateral agreement, sparking concerns among legal experts and affected individuals. The increase coincides with U.S. intentions to deport some to third countries if their asylum claims are unsuccessful.

In the first eight months of 2025, Canada turned back 3,282 individuals, a significant rise from the 2,481 returned in the same period in 2024, according to Canada Border Services Agency data. July 2025 marked the highest monthly turnback rate in more than a decade.

Despite declines to comment on the surge, the Canada Border Services Agency faces criticism for the high stakes involved, as deportation to third countries looms. Case examples, such as Eritrean Rahel Negassi and a Palestinian stateless individual, illustrate potential eligibility for filing claims in Canada, highlighting the complex nature of the agreement's exemptions.