What is Bill C-2?
In June 2025, Bill C-2, also known as the “Strong Borders Act”, was introduced to the House of Commons. This bill proposes major changes to border security, immigration, customs, and law enforcement. Bill C-2 is the first major piece of legislation introduced by the federal government since Mark Carney was elected Prime Minister in June 2025. Although the proposed goal is to “secure” the Canada-U.S. border, in reality it would significantly affect the lives of all non-citizens in Canada.
How is Bill C-12 different?
Bill C-12 was presented in October, 2025 as a proposed adjustment to certain aspects of Bill-C2. Unfortunately it keeps many of the problematic aspects of C-2. It introduces a strict timeline to the refugee claimant process, eliminates the US border exception, threatens privacy protections for vulnerable communities, and gives the government the authority to enforce mass deportations without due process.
What would happen if Bill C-2/12 passes?
- Asylum: Bill C-2 would lead to serious limitations to the eligibility requirements for a refugee claim.
- Currently, those crossing irregularly into Canada from the United States are allowed to make a refugee claim through the inland process. Under Bill C-2, individuals crossing from the US would be automatically ineligible to apply for refugee status.
- Individuals would only have 1 year to submit a refugee claim. Under Bill C-2, if someone arrived in Canada after June 2020 and didn’t make a refugee claim within 1 year, they would become permanently ineligible.
- Immigration: The government would gain the right to cancel, suspend, or change immigration documents without a prior transparent and rigorous process. This would include permanent or temporary resident visas, as well as work or study permits.
- Privacy & Security: Part 5 of Bill C-12 proposes authorizing the disclosure of newcomers’ personal data within the immigration department, federal and provincial government entities, and even foreign entities. This would severely weaken the protection of their private information and remove autonomy over its access.
Who would be affected by Bill C-2/12?
We are very worried about people who will no longer be able to ask for refugee protection in Canada. In particular, the requirement that people file a refugee claim within one year can be dangerous for many people. For example:
- Someone who was previously in Canada on a student visa and whose safety at home changed after returning to their country would never be allowed to file a refugee claim in Canada. This would include people belonging to specific groups or communities that might face violence or persecution due to recent social or political changes. In one case, the person studied in Canada for three years and returned to their country, in conformity with their study permit. After some years, a crisis began, and since they belong to an ethnic group targeted by armed militia/ government forces, they are at life-threatening risk staying. Under Bill C-12, they would never be allowed to make a refugee claim in Canada.
- Someone in Canada temporarily whose personal circumstances change and it is no longer safe for them to go home.: This would include someone who gets targeted for their political activism online in support of human rights in their country or someone whose gender identity or sexuality changes who is from a country where homophobia is rampant. It would also include women experiencing domestic violence who don’t know that they can get protection in Canada if their home government can’t protect them but who need time to make a plan to leave their partner safely.
How would these changes affect Romero House?
- We would not be able to support clients making a refugee claim that have been in Canada for longer than 1 year as they would be automatically and permanently ineligible.
- Current and former residents, staff, volunteers or supporters of Romero House could face a sudden negative change of their immigration status. This would have a heartbreaking impact on our community.
How can you advocate against Bill C-2/12?
- Remain informed! Here is a list of resources created by a coalition of organizations advocating against Bill C-2/12
- Raise your concerns with your local politicians, family, and friends. Here’s a link to call your MP & Ministers.
- Support and donate to front-line organizations supporting the immigrant and refugee communities.
References
Bill C-2, Canada’s new border bill, an attack on the human right to seek asylum. (2025, June 4). Amnesty International Canada. Retrieved October 30, 2025, from https://amnesty.ca/human-rights-news/bill-c-2-canada-attack-right-to-seek-asylum/
Fung, J. (2025, August 12). Bill C-2 FAQ: Explaining Canada’s Dangerous New Surveillance Law. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from https://openmedia.org/article/item/bill-c-2-faq-explaining-canadas-dangerous-new-surveillance-law#Are%20privacy%20concerns%20the%20only%20problems%20with%20Bill%20C-2?
Immigrant Women’s Services. (2025, September 8). What is Bill C-2? Newsletters. Retrieved October 30, 2025, from https://immigrantwomenservices.com/what-is-bill-c-2/Migrant Rights. (n.d.).
Stop Bill C-12. Migrant Rights Network. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from https://migrantrights.ca/actionslist/stopc2/