Roxham Road: Asylum seekers, advocates scrambling for details in new border deal
Global News
The sudden closure of the unofficial border crossing at Roxham Road last week has community organizations and legal experts scrambling to obtain details.
The sudden closure of the unofficial border crossing at Roxham Road last week has community organizations and legal experts scrambling to obtain details.
But the biggest concern remains the humanitarian impact the deal will have on people’s lives and Canada’s reputation.
Duismary, who did not wish to provide her last name due to security concerns, crossed through Roxham road into Canada after a difficult journey from Venezuela.
She was hoping her daughters would soon join her using the same path, but with news that the unofficial border crossing is now closed, she says her dreams and those of many she met along her journey north, are crushed.
“Those who are on their way are tremendously frustrated,” she said. “They have been travelling this way for months, some up to a year. It’s sad to hear the news.”
Since the news broke on Friday, people at the non-profit Welcome Collective have been scrambling to find details about the deal.
They say its now harder to provide quality information to their clients.
“I’m disappointed in Canada for acting out of political expediency and not out of expertise, reflection, thoughtfulness, care for refugees, care for Canada’s reputation as a leader in refugee welcome,” said Melissa Claisse, the collective’s communication coordinator.