Asylum seekers who were denied entry into Canada are now stuck in the United States, with no clear plan of action. The Plattsburgh Mountain Mart has become a hub for these refugees, who are seeking assistance from volunteer organizations like Bridges Not Borders. Volunteers are attempting to find them temporary housing and connect them with support networks, but the recent changes to the Safe Third Country Agreement have made their jobs much more difficult. Roxham Road, a popular crossing point for refugees looking to enter Canada, is no longer an option, and the U.S. is now deporting most people who try to cross unofficially. Those who qualify for exceptions can stay, but most refugees have been sent back to the U.S. and are struggling to find a way forward. Many still have money left over from their journey, but others used everything they had to get to Canada and are now destitute. Community organizations like Plattsburgh Cares are working to provide support, but they are struggling to keep up with the demand. They are calling on local, state, and federal governments to create a coordinated response to this “countywide emergency” so that refugees don’t “fall through the cracks.”
The refugees who are now stuck in the United States are facing a difficult situation. Many had traveled thousands of miles to try to claim asylum in Canada, only to be turned back at the border. They are now in an unfamiliar country, without a clear plan of action, and are struggling to find the support they need. Volunteers like those at Bridges Not Borders are trying to help, but the recent changes to the Safe Third Country Agreement have made their jobs much more difficult.
The closure of Roxham Road, in particular, has had a significant impact on refugees. This unofficial crossing point was used by most of the more than 39,000 people who crossed into Quebec irregularly in 2022. It was a viable pathway to asylum because of a loophole in the Safe Third Country Agreement. However, the U.S. and Canada recently amended the agreement, and Canada is now detaining and deporting most people who try to cross unofficially. This has left many refugees stranded in the United States, with no clear path forward.
Community organizations like Plattsburgh Cares are doing their best to provide assistance, but they are struggling to keep up with the demand. They are calling on local, state, and federal governments to create a coordinated response to this “countywide emergency” so that refugees don’t “fall through the cracks.” This emergency requires a multi-level response, and it is unclear whether governments are willing or able to provide the support that is needed.
In the meantime, refugees are struggling to make ends meet. Some still have money left over from their journey and can afford a bus ticket or a hotel room, but others used everything they had to get to Canada and are now destitute. The situation is dire, and it is unclear how long these refugees will be stuck in limbo.
Overall, the closure of Roxham Road has had a significant impact on refugees seeking asylum in Canada. The recent changes to the Safe Third Country Agreement have left many stranded in the United States, without a clear plan of action. Community organizations are doing their best to provide assistance, but they cannot keep up with the demand. The situation requires a coordinated response from local, state, and federal governments, but it is unclear whether such a response will be forthcoming. In the meantime, refugees are stuck in limbo, with no clear path forward.