New Measures Will Address Influx of Nigerian Asylum Seekers Crossing US Border To Canada -Immigration Minister, Ahmed Hussen

The Government of Canada has announced new measures to address the surging number of Nigerians who are crossing into Canada from the United States and claiming asylum.

More than 7,000 people have been intercepted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police so far in 2018 after crossing into Canada at unofficial entry points, including 2,500 who crossed into Quebec in the month of April alone. The majority of those intercepted have been Nigerians with a valid visitor’s visa for the United States.

On Monday, Canada’s ministers of immigration, public security and transportation provided an update on federal efforts to ensure U.S. travel visas aren’t being abused.

Chief among the new measures is the assigning of three Canadian officials to help U.S. visa officers in the Nigerian capital Lagos.

Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmed Hussen, will also travel to Nigeria this month to discuss the issue with government representatives there.