Feds Restore Visa Requirement for Mexican Visitors Amid Surge in Asylum Seekers

Canada has renewed its visa requirements for Mexican visitors amid rising numbers of asylum claims from Mexican nationals. Immigration Minister Marc Miller made the announcement Feb. 29 at a press conference in Ottawa, saying the measures will take effect at 11:30 p.m. the same day. “We needed to give Mexico, because of our friendship, the chance to rectify things,” Mr. Miller said. “This clearly was not done,” he added, “so we had to take a decision.” The rule follows months of discussions between the two countries over the rise in the number of Mexicans entering Canada. Data from the immigration department show a dramatic increase in asylum claims from Mexico after the Trudeau Liberals lifted the visa requirement for Mexican visitors in 2016. The claims numbered 110 in 2015, but surged to nearly 24,000 by 2023. Approximately 60 percent are withdrawn or rejected, according to an immigration department release....