Visa waiver for Mexican nationals: Canada's decision cracks ties with US

 

The liberal government's decision to lift visa requirements for Mexican nationals has strained relations with the Biden administration and increased the number of migrants on both sides of the border, according to new documents. On February 29, 2024, Immigration Minister Mark Miller announced visa waivers for Mexican citizens. The move was meant to curb the surge in refugee claims that was straining Canada's refugee system and the provinces' resources. At the same time, Canada's decision also drew the ire of US officials. There was also pressure on the federal government to reinstate the visa requirement.

The United States has shared concerns that Mexican passport holders are abusing visa-free travel. Canada has also indicated that it is considering these concerns, the documents said.

Mexico is Canada's third largest trading partner. In 2016, Justin Trudeau lifted the visa requirement. Then there was the influx of Mexican refugees in Canada. In addition, immigrant travel across the US-Canada border has increased. In 2023, the number of refugees reached a record 24,000. According to reports, the largest number of people arrived in Quebec. About 60 percent of claims are denied, withdrawn or abandoned, according to the federal immigration department.