American Refugee Claims in Canada Surge in First Half 2025

In 2025, more Americans applied for refugee status in Canada than in any full year since 2019, with 245 claims made in the first half of the year alone, surpassing all of 2024. These increases coincide with U.S. President Donald Trump's second term, during which immigration enforcement has intensified and transgender rights have been significantly restricted, prompting more trans individuals to seek asylum. While American refugee claims constitute a small fraction of Canada's overall applications, they have notably risen during both of Trump's terms, contrasting with lower numbers under previous administrations. To gain asylum, claimants must persuade Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board that no safe haven exists for them anywhere in the U.S., with recent documentation highlighting the treatment of LGBTQ people in the United States. Despite the rise in refugee claims, overall travel between Canada and the U.S. has decreased, although American visits to Canada exceeded Canadian visits to the U.S. in June 2025 for the first time since 2006. Canadian authorities maintain a cautious stance, emphasizing that refugee status is reserved for those facing genuine fear and persecution.