Canada or Mexico? Expert Insights for Haitian Migrants in 2025

As of July 2025, Haitian migrants face a changing landscape when deciding whether to seek protection in Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽. Shifts in migration trends, new enforcement measures, and recent policy changes have created very different realities in each country. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, the effective dates, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for pending and future applications. The goal is to help Haitian migrants, their families, and support organizations understand their options and immediate next steps.

Summary of What Changed

• Canada 🇨🇦 has seen a steady rise in Haitian asylum seekers, especially at the St-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing. This is largely due to the expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians in the United States 🇺🇸, which has pushed many to seek safety in Canada.
• Mexico 🇲🇽 has increased enforcement at its borders and within the country, making it much harder for Haitian migrants to reach or stay in Mexico. The Dominican Republic, a common transit point, has also stepped up deportations of Haitians.
• The United States 🇺🇸 has tightened its own border and asylum policies, leading to fewer crossings and more removals, which affects Haitian migrants trying to reach North America.

Let’s break down these changes in detail, focusing on how they affect Haitian migrants, what actions are needed, and what to expect next.

Current Migration Trends and Numbers

Canada 🇨🇦

• There has been a steady increase in Haitian asylum seekers at the Canada-U.S. border. In March 2025, 1,356 asylum claims were made, with 557 more in early April.
• Most Haitian migrants are leaving the United States 🇺🇸 because their TPS has ended, and they fear being sent back to Haiti.
• The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) continues to process these claims, especially for those crossing the border irregularly (not at official entry points).

Mexico 🇲🇽

• Encounters with migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border have dropped sharply in 2024 and 2025. This is due to stronger enforcement by Mexican authorities and new U.S. policies that make it harder to claim asylum.
• Mexico is now mainly a transit country for Haitian migrants, but it has become much harder to cross due to strict enforcement.
• The Dominican Republic has deported over 180,000 Haitian migrants since late 2024, including 86,406 in the first quarter of 2025 alone.

Recent Policy Changes and Enforcement

Canada 🇨🇦

• No major new border restrictions have been introduced, but the number of asylum claims has gone up because of changes in U.S. policy.
• The Canadian government, led by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, has stressed the importance of border security and working closely with the United States 🇺🇸.
• Quebec Premier François Legault has called for stronger border security, reflecting local concerns about the impact of increased migration.
• The IRB continues to offer protection to those who qualify as Convention refugees (people who cannot return to their home country because of a well-founded fear of persecution) or as persons needing protection (those at risk of torture, risk to life, or cruel treatment).

Mexico 🇲🇽

• Mexico has increased enforcement to stop migrants, including Haitians, from reaching the U.S. border.
• The Dominican Republic’s President Luis Abinader has announced 15 new measures to stop irregular Haitian migration, including sending 1,500 soldiers to the border and speeding up border wall construction.
• The United States 🇺🇸 has issued executive orders since June 2024 that have led to a 60% drop in illegal crossings at the southwest border and more removals, including from Mexico and other transit countries.
• The U.S. Coast Guard has intercepted Haitian migrant boats and returned nearly 100 people to Haiti recently.

Who Is Affected

• Haitian migrants in the United States 🇺🇸 whose TPS has expired and who fear deportation.
• Haitian migrants in transit through the Dominican Republic, Central America, and Mexico 🇲🇽, facing increased enforcement and deportation.
• Families of Haitian migrants who may be separated or face uncertainty due to new policies.
• Support organizations working with Haitian migrants in Canada 🇨🇦, Mexico 🇲🇽, and along transit routes.

Effective Dates

• Most of these changes have taken effect since late 2024 and continue through mid-2025.
• The expiration of TPS for Haitians in the United States 🇺🇸 occurred in 2023-2024, with enforcement ramping up in 2025.
• New enforcement measures in Mexico 🇲🇽 and the Dominican Republic began in late 2024 and have intensified in 2025.
• U.S. executive orders affecting border crossings and removals have been in place since June 2024.

Required Actions for Haitian Migrants

For those considering Canada 🇨🇦:

1. Arrive at or near the Canada-U.S. border. Most Haitian migrants cross irregularly at places like St-Bernard-de-Lacolle, south of Montreal.
2. Make a refugee claim with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). You can find more information and the official forms on the CBSA website.
3. Undergo eligibility screening by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). The IRB will decide if your claim can move forward.
4. Attend a hearing before the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the IRB. This is where you explain why you need protection.
5. If accepted, you will receive refugee protection and can access settlement services, including help with housing, language, and finding work.
6. If rejected, you may appeal the decision or face removal from Canada 🇨🇦.

For those considering Mexico 🇲🇽:

1. Enter Mexico, often after traveling through the Dominican Republic or Central America.
2. Attempt to travel north toward the U.S. border. Be aware that enforcement is much stronger now.
3. Face increased checks and deportation risks by Mexican authorities. Many Haitian migrants are detained or sent back to Haiti.
4. Formal asylum options in Mexico are limited. Most migrants do not receive protection and face difficult conditions.
5. Some may try to cross into the United States 🇺🇸 irregularly, but U.S. border enforcement is now much stricter.

Implications for Pending and Future Applications

Canada 🇨🇦

• Processing times may be longer due to the higher number of claims. Delays are possible, especially for those crossing irregularly.
• No mass deportations have been reported, but there is a risk of detention while claims are processed.
• Support services are available, especially in Quebec, but resources may be stretched due to the increased number of arrivals.
• Rejected claims can be appealed, but the process can be lengthy and stressful.

Mexico 🇲🇽

• High risk of deportation for Haitian migrants, even those in transit.
• Limited legal protection and few support services for migrants.
• Dangerous routes and harsh conditions are common, with many migrants facing hunger, lack of shelter, and violence.
• Pending asylum applications in Mexico are unlikely to succeed, and most migrants are sent back to Haiti or the Dominican Republic.

Practical Comparison: Canada 🇨🇦 vs. Mexico 🇲🇽 for Haitian Migrants

Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives

• Frantz André, a Montreal-based migrant support leader, says the rise in Haitian asylum seekers in Canada is directly linked to the end of TPS in the United States 🇺🇸.
• Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland highlights Canada’s focus on border security and working with the United States 🇺🇸 to manage migration.
• Quebec Premier François Legault wants stronger border controls to help the province manage resources and support newcomers.
• Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has taken a tough approach, using military and legal steps to stop irregular Haitian migration and deport thousands each week.
• U.S. immigration lawyers warn that programs encouraging voluntary return or self-deportation do not guarantee the right to come back in the future, making decisions even harder for migrants.

Background and Historical Context

• Haitian migration to North America has long been driven by political problems, natural disasters, and poverty in Haiti.
• After the 2010 earthquake, the United States 🇺🇸 gave Haitians Temporary Protected Status (TPS), but this is ending, forcing many to look for new options.
• Canada’s asylum system has seen more irregular crossings since 2017, with Haitians making up a large group of claimants.
• Mexico has usually been a transit country, but now it is much harder to cross due to pressure from the United States 🇺🇸 and regional partners.

Step-by-Step Procedures for Haitian Migrants

Canada 🇨🇦

1. Arrive at the border (often at St-Bernard-de-Lacolle).
2. Declare your intention to seek asylum to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
3. Complete the Basis of Claim Form for the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). The official form and instructions are available on the IRB website.
4. Attend an eligibility interview with the IRB.
5. Prepare for your hearing before the Refugee Protection Division (RPD).
6. Receive a decision. If accepted, you get protection and can apply for permanent residence. If rejected, you can appeal or may be removed.

Mexico 🇲🇽

1. Enter Mexico (often after passing through the Dominican Republic or Central America).
2. Try to travel north toward the U.S. border, but expect more checks and police stops.
3. Face possible detention or deportation by Mexican authorities.
4. Apply for asylum if possible, but most claims are not successful.
5. If detained, you may be sent back to Haiti or the Dominican Republic.

Future Outlook and What to Expect

• Canada 🇨🇦 will likely keep processing Haitian asylum claims but may add more border security, especially in Quebec.
• Mexico 🇲🇽 and the Dominican Republic are expected to continue or increase enforcement and deportations.
• The United States 🇺🇸 will keep strict asylum rules, making it harder to cross from Mexico.
• Regional cooperation between Canada 🇨🇦, the United States 🇺🇸, Mexico 🇲🇽, and the Dominican Republic may grow to manage migration and help address problems in Haiti.
• NGOs and international groups may expand support for Haitian migrants in Canada and along transit routes, but resources are limited.

Official Resources and Contacts

• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA): CBSA official site for border crossing and asylum claim information.
• Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB): IRB forms and procedures for refugee claims.
• Mexican National Institute of Migration (INM): INM official site for migration policies in Mexico.
• Dominican Republic Ministry of Interior and Police: For deportation policy updates.
• International Organization for Migration (IOM): For regional support and migration data.
• UNHCR Canada and Mexico: For refugee protection and assistance.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

• Haitian migrants should carefully consider their options. Canada 🇨🇦 offers a formal asylum process and some protection, but with longer waits and possible detention. Mexico 🇲🇽 is now a much riskier option, with high chances of deportation and little support.
• Start the process early. If you are in the United States 🇺🇸 and your TPS has expired, seek legal advice and prepare your documents before heading to the border.
• Use official resources. Always rely on official government websites for the latest forms and procedures. For Canada, visit the CBSA official site.
• Connect with support organizations. NGOs and community groups in Canada 🇨🇦 can help with housing, legal advice, and basic needs.
• Be aware of risks in transit. Traveling through Mexico 🇲🇽 and the Dominican Republic is now much more dangerous, with a high risk of detention or deportation.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the choice between Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽 for Haitian migrants in 2025 is shaped by stricter enforcement, changing policies, and the end of U.S. TPS. Canada remains the safer option for those seeking legal protection, while Mexico is now mainly a transit country with serious risks. Always check official sources and seek legal help before making any decisions about migration.

For more information on Canada’s refugee process, visit the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.

Learn Today

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → US immigration status allowing temporary stay during conditions like disasters or conflict in home countries.
Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) → Canadian tribunal that processes asylum claims and decides refugee status eligibility.
Asylum Claim → A request made by migrants seeking protection from persecution or danger in their home country.
Deportation → The official removal of a foreign national from a country where they do not have legal permission to stay.
Border Enforcement → Government actions to control or restrict illegal entry and movement across national borders.

This Article in a Nutshell

Haitian migrants face diverging paths: Canada offers formal asylum with risks, while Mexico enforces stricter border controls. With TPS expired in the US, migration shifts northward. Increased deportations in Mexico and the Dominican Republic heighten dangers. Understanding policies helps migrants make informed decisions amid this complex landscape.
— By VisaVerge.com