Illegal border crossings into Canada continue to rise

Illegal border crossings into Canada continue to rise

The number of asylum seekers caught crossing illegally into Canada continues to rise, according to newly released figures.

The Canada Border Services Agency says that nearly half of the 1,860 migrants who have snuck across the Canada-United States border on foot rather than making a claim for refugee status at an official border crossing did so in March.

In a statement, Public Security Minister Ralph Goodale’s office said that while the figures have risen, they are still relatively small and have not affected other aspects of the immigration system.

“Canadian authorities are managing the increase in asylum seekers in a sound and measured way, applying our laws and procedures to keep Canadians safe while fully respecting all of this country’s international obligations,” the statement said.