The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) between Canada and the United States is a bilateral agreement that was signed in the year 2002. The agreement states that an individual seeking asylum in either Canada or the United States must make their claim in the first country they arrive in. In simpler terms, if a person crosses into Canada from the United States, they cannot make an asylum claim in Canada. They must return to the United States and make their claim there.
The STCA was implemented to help manage the flow of asylum seekers between the two countries. The agreement ensures that those who are seeking asylum can do so without the risk of being sent back to the country where they face persecution. It also helps to prevent individuals from making multiple claims for asylum across the border, which can cause a backlog and strain the resources of both countries.
However, the STCA has faced criticism from human rights organizations and refugee advocates who believe that the United States is not a safe country for refugees. This is because the United States has implemented policies that have made it more difficult for refugees to seek asylum. For example, the Trump administration implemented a “zero tolerance” policy in 2018 that resulted in the separation of families at the border. Also, there has been a recent increase in anti-immigrant rhetoric, which has created an atmosphere of fear and hostility towards immigrants and refugees.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised additional concerns about the safety of the STCA. Both Canada and the United States have closed their borders to non-essential travel, including refugees and asylum seekers. This has left many refugees stranded and vulnerable, as they are unable to seek asylum or protection in either country.
In conclusion, the STCA between Canada and the United States is a complex issue with no easy solution. While the agreement is meant to manage the flow of asylum seekers and prevent backlog in both countries, it has faced criticism from human rights organizations and refugee advocates who believe that the United States is not a safe country for refugees. The COVID-19 pandemic has also raised additional concerns about the safety of the STCA, leaving many refugees stranded and vulnerable. Ultimately, it’s important for both countries to work together to ensure the safety and protection of those seeking asylum while maintaining the integrity of their borders.