Canada to deport over 30,000 illegal residents; most asylum claims found to be false

Toronto: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has obtained over 30,000 deportation warrants for individuals living illegally in the country, with efforts to expedite removals already underway over the past few weeks.

CBSA officials confirmed that the majority of deportation targets include rejected political asylum seekers, individuals with expired study or tourist visas, and those involved in criminal activity.

Of the 30,000 identified, 88 percent are asylum seekers whose claims have been denied. The agency stressed that those living illegally, especially those with criminal involvement or rejected asylum applications, will be prioritized for deportation.

The CBSA clarified that individuals whose stay in Canada via asylum or other unauthorized routes has been rejected no longer have the right to appeal. This has led to an acceleration in deportations.

The agency has also outlined financial penalties for those deported who wish to return to Canada. A standard deportation incurs a cost of CAD 3,800, which must be repaid before a visa application is considered. If deported under special escort, the cost rises to CAD 12,800. The amount must be paid even if a subsequent visa application is denied.

Agency sources revealed a dramatic surge in asylum applications in recent years. In 2024 alone, over 20,000 political asylum requests were filed—a 615 percent increase from 2019. During the first quarter of 2025, a record 5,500 applications were received.

Officials noted that the fast-tracking of deportations follows a tightening of policies under the new federal government, particularly within the Department of Housing.

With 98–99 percent of recent asylum claims being deemed false, authorities have vowed to avoid past mistakes and improve enforcement.