Over the past few months, people have been crossing into Canada from the United States, seeking asylum in this country.
The crossings have taken place in cold, snowy fields at the Manitoba-North Dakota border, in winter conditions along the Quebec-New York border and at a park bordering British Columbia and Washington State.
On Saturday morning at around 7:20 a.m., Surrey RCMP received a report that two people had crossed into Canada from the United States near Peace Arch.
The man and woman, Turkish nationals, were detained under the Immigration Act and were turned over to Canadian immigration officials.
The next day, a family of four was also detained after crossing illegally in the same area.
As temperatures warm, it is likely more will attempt to cross into Canada in similar ways, bypassing the borders, just as these people and many others have done.
These crossings are the result of a loophole in Canada’s immigration rules.
Under the Safe Third Country Agreement signed by the United States and Canada, refugee claimants who have arrived in one country cannot make the same claim on the other side of the border.
This agreement only applies to those who make their claims at official border crossings, not to those who cross elsewhere. Those who do not enter Canada through an official border crossing are arrested, but then are granted a hearing on their refugee claims.
In recent months, some who had arrived in the United States as refugees have said they no longer feel safe in that country.
They have found ways to enter Canada without going through established border crossings.
In early August, Yahya Samatar, a 32-year-old Somali refugee claimant, swam across the Red River to cross into Manitoba. He arrived in Canada with no possessions and clad only in his underwear.
In fall, after a hearing in Winnipeg, Samatar has been allowed to stay in Canada as a “protected person” and cannot be deported.
This winter, hundreds have crossed in bitterly cold conditions.
Since Jan. 1, at least 139 refugees have crossed into Canada, arriving in the Manitoba border town of Emerson. In Quebec, 452 asylum seekers have crossed into the province in January of this year, more than three times as many as during the same month a year earlier.
Police have seen in increase in these migration numbers, especially in Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia.
The treks are demanding and dangerous. They are not trips to be taken lightly. Those crossing into Canada have done so because they believe they will be safe here.
And some have paid a tremendous price.
Seidu Mohammed and Razak Iyal, both originally from Ghana crossed into Canada from North Dakota on Christmas Eve.
Because of severe frostbite, Mohammed, 24, lost all his fingers. Iyal, 35, also suffered severe frostbite and all his fingers except his thumbs were amputated.
The two men will have their hearings in late March, when they will learn whether they can stay in Canada.
If they are granted permission to stay here, will they find the safe haven they have desired? Will they be happy with their new home?
The answer is up to us.
Canada has a reputation around the world as a safe place for immigrants and refugees. Those crossing the border last summer and over the winter months have risked much in the hope of a better life here.
The treatment they receive now, from all of us, will determine if we deserve our international reputation.
John Arendt is the editor of the Summerland Review.
