A Family's Struggle: Three Attempts to Seek Refuge in Canada

Araceli and her family endured three attempts to cross into Canada from the US, driven by fear of deportation amid rising immigration scrutiny. Their successful third attempt underscores the challenges faced by many asylum seekers navigating strict border policies and the ramifications of international agreements.

Araceli, a Salvadoran immigrant, along with her partner and two daughters, embody the struggle of many asylum seekers fleeing harsh immigration policies in the United States. After living in the US for over a decade, Araceli sought refuge in Canada as a means to escape the looming threat of deportation, particularly heightened under the Trump administration. The family’s journey took them to the Rainbow Bridge, a crossing known for its significance as a peaceful connection between the two countries, yet for them, it became a symbol of their desperate efforts for a new beginning.

Their story began on March 17, with hopes of reuniting with Araceli’s siblings in Canada. They presented their case at the border but faced rejection due to a minor error in their paperwork regarding surnames on official documents. This setback reflected a larger trend, as many migrants have found the “safe third country agreement” between the US and Canada to be a formidable obstacle, which typically denies asylum claims if individuals were turned away in the first country.

Returning to the US after their first failed attempt, the family faced additional challenges, spending 14 days in detention to await processing of their case. With the help of an attorney, they briefly saw hope rekindled when they were told they would be permitted to apply for asylum once more. However, that hope was extinguished when they were turned back yet again, as agents insisted they could not receive a second official review.

In an increasingly stringent immigration climate, stricter policies on both sides of the border have complicated the plight of refugees. As recent statistics reveal, the number of individuals denied asylum in Canada from the US has surged in recent months. Canadian authorities have ramped up border security funding while asserting their policies remain unchanged.

After considerable legal maneuvering and pressure from attorneys advocating for humane treatment, the federal court intervened, allowing Araceli’s family a third chance to cross into Canada. On May 5, the family successfully reached the Canadian side, although with bittersweet circumstances; her partner remained detained in the US due to ongoing proceedings.

Araceli's case is not just a singular story but rather a reflection of a broader migrant experience. The challenges faced by families like hers highlight significant issues within immigration systems and reveal the urgent need for humane policy reforms that respect the rights of vulnerable populations seeking safety.