Canada is open to helping the United States resettle Central Americans by taking in some of the hundreds of thousands who have sought refuge at the U.S.-Mexico border since President Joe Biden took office.
“I certainly think that we have the capacity within our existing levels plan to accommodate more refugees,” Canadian Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino told Reuters.
However, Mendicino’s spokesperson said that Canada only resettles refugees that have been referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, adding a complication to the Canadian government’s willingness to assist the U.S.
The Biden administration faces a worsening situation at the southern border, with no end in sight for migration to the U.S. Since Feb. 1, approximately 630,000 people have attempted to cross the southern border illegally, according to federal data.
ILLEGAL BORDER CROSSING ATTEMPTS REACH NEW HIGH UNDER BIDEN: 180,000 IN MAY
Of that figure, more than 275,000 were from the Central American countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Another 243,000 were from Mexico, and the remaining 111,000 were from countries other than those four. The U.S. government does not disclose how many may have already claimed asylum nor who will seek permission to stay in the country after being released here.
Biden has vowed to accept 125,000 refugees from around the world in fiscal 2022, which begins in October. Canada’s 2021 cap is 36,000.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Mendicino and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas spoke last week for the first time since Biden took office. In their call, they discussed their migration and border goals.
