Immigration and border security are at the heart of the US presidential campaign. The cornerstone of Trump’s campaign. But it’s not just the Mexican border that worries Republicans. Trump-leaning lawmakers in border states like New York, New Hampshire and Montana are calling for tighter border enforcement.
These Republicans denounce the Trudeau government’s lax policies on refugees, which they say create opportunities for terrorists to enter Canada and then cross into the United States through its porous northern border. More than 1,000 known or suspected terrorists have been apprehended at the Canada-U.S. border since 2021, according to the U.S. Border and Customs Services.
Rep. Elise Stefanik, who expects to get a job in Trump’s cabinet, says, “We must secure the wide-open borders by returning to President Trump’s effective border security policies.” Her district, 21e district of New York, runs along the border with Canada and the Akwesasne Mohawk reserve which straddles it near Cornwall.
I have dealt with it several times in The Journalin recent years, the incredible laissez-faire of Ottawa and Quebec regarding the illegal activities that have been taking place for decades in Akwesasne.
In April 2023, eight people from India and Romania drowned while trying to enter the United States illegally. The bodies were found near the Mohawk boat that was carrying them, which also drowned.
The northern border is worse than the Mexican one
Stefanik says New York’s northern border is out of control. She formed the Northern Border Security Caucus, which she co-chairs, and which brings together 28 House Republicans concerned about the lack of security along the Canadian border.
She cites U.S. Customs and Border Protection statistics that show more suspected terrorists have been apprehended at the Canadian border than at the Mexican border. Nearly 500 individuals on the FBI’s terrorist watch list were apprehended at the northern border between October 2022 and September 2023, compared to 80 at the southern border.
Tennessee Rep. Mark Green, a former U.S. Army officer and close to the Tea Party – the right of the right – also constantly draws attention to the northern border. Green has chaired the Homeland Security Committee since 2023. He hopes to be appointed Secretary of Homeland Security in the future Trump administration.
Republicans are increasingly putting the border with Canada at the forefront of politics. It’s very profitable politically. Poll after poll indicates that voters consider illegal immigration to be one of the biggest problems facing the country.
Quebec, a place of passage for illegal immigrants
In the Swanton area, near Quebec’s border with Vermont and New Hampshire, 6,925 illegal immigrants were apprehended between October 2022 and September 2023, a dramatic increase from the 1,065 apprehended the previous year.
In March, the Biden administration reached an agreement with the Trudeau government allowing both countries to turn back asylum seekers crossing their shared border. It’s hard to see how this deal will stem the flow of illegal immigrants entering the United States through Canada.
Notice to our readers – closing of the comments module
Please note that the comments module will not be accessible from August 12 to 25 inclusive. This is an exceptional and temporary situation.
Thank you for your understanding.
The Management
