Border migrants taking a gamble

Those considering coming to Canada as refugee claimants across our unmarked border with the United States must think carefully about the pitfalls they will face. If they still decide to come, and if their numbers swell, Canadians must think carefully about how we treat them.

Under the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country agreement, the people currently scurrying across snowy fields are supposed to have made their refugee claims in the U.S. For whatever reason — likely fear of deportation under President Donald Trump’s latest initiatives — they have decided to look north for sanctuary.

But there is no guarantee Canada will accept their claims. There can be delays and appeals, of course, but Canada’s refugee determination system is considered more efficient than the American one, so failed claimants may be shipped to the their country of origin faster. They’re taking a gamble coming here.

For refugee wannabes, it’s a daunting scenario to travel north to Canada. Canadians should be hospitable as the process unfolds.