WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced a significant reduction in irregular migration, claiming operational security at the border. The DHS stated, "More than 200 days into this job, we have achieved operational security at the border," and reported that no illegal immigrants were released into the country during May, June, and July.

Experts, however, caution against the notion of zero irregular migration, noting that such claims are difficult to verify. Despite this, the U.S. has experienced a notable decrease in border activity and irregular encounters this year, which has also affected migration patterns into Canada.

In Canada, following years of pro-immigration policies that resulted in a backlog of asylum claims, the government is now attempting to reduce immigration. Experts emphasize the need for improved screening methods and a restoration of the integrity of the immigration system, alongside a broader political consensus on immigration policy.

Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows a dramatic decline in irregular migrant crossings. In June and July, apprehensions dropped to 8,024 and 6,177, respectively, marking a 90% decrease compared to the same months in 2024. Similarly, Canada reported an 81% drop in total apprehensions along its border, with figures falling from 3,601 in June 2024 to 702 in June 2025, and from 3,037 in July 2024 to just 554 in July 2025.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processed 171,840 asylum claimants in 2024. In the first half of 2025, only 57,440 claimants were processed, reflecting a nearly 40% decline.

Christian Leuprecht, a political science professor at Queen’s University, noted that Canada has improved its data collection since the closure of the Roxham Road crossing in 2023, which was part of the expanded Safe Third Country Agreement. However, he pointed out that Canada has significantly fewer resources for border security compared to the U.S., suggesting that some migrants may still evade detection.

Kelly Sundberg, a criminologist at Mount Royal University, highlighted the inadequacies in Canada’s immigration system, stating, "Canada does not even have a border patrol." He criticized the reliance on the understaffed Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to monitor the extensive border, which stretches approximately 5,500 miles.

Experts also raised concerns about the screening processes for foreigners entering Canada. Sundberg remarked, "I am very concerned that Canada has done virtually nothing for screening," indicating that visas are being issued without thorough vetting. Keith Cozine, a homeland security professor at St. John’s University, noted that while U.S. officials conduct rigorous checks, Canada’s screening at airports and seaports is less stringent, leading to potential security risks.

The integrity of Canada’s immigration system has come under scrutiny, especially following incidents where individuals with questionable backgrounds were granted asylum. Sundberg stated, "We are at a crisis point," emphasizing the need for improved technology and resources to enhance border security.

The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) reported a backlog of 294,423 pending asylum claims, raising concerns about the capacity to process these claims in a timely manner. Leuprecht expressed worry about the public perception of Canada’s immigration system, stating, "It takes way too long. It’s not fair to people. It’s not fair to the system."

Both Leuprecht and Cozine highlighted the importance of better intelligence sharing between Canadian and U.S. agencies to combat irregular migration, which is often driven by human smuggling. Recent discussions between Canadian and U.S. officials have focused on overhauling border and immigration policies, including proposed legislation known as Bill C-2, which aims to enhance surveillance and expedite deportations. However, this bill has faced criticism for potential human rights violations.

As Canada navigates these challenges, experts are closely monitoring the developments surrounding immigration policy and its implications for both national security and humanitarian commitments.