The Canadian government has fast-tracked a new bill, Bill C-12, also known as the Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act, which includes several changes to border security and new ineligibility rules for refugee claimants. The bill passed its third reading in the House of Commons on December 11, before members of parliament rose for the holidays. If it receives Senate approval in February, the bill will become law.

According to Idil Atak, a professor of refugee and human rights law at Toronto Metropolitan University, the bill is "very regressive in terms of refugee protection." Atak expressed concerns that the new legislation will lead to a more restrictive approach to refugee claims, potentially fueling xenophobia and the scapegoating of immigrants. "The bill introduces new ineligibility rules for refugee claimants, which will make it even more difficult for people to access protection in Canada," Atak said.

The bill includes several provisions aimed at strengthening border security, such as increased penalties for individuals who attempt to cross the border without proper documentation. It also introduces new rules for refugee claimants, including a requirement that they must have made a claim in a country other than Canada before being eligible to make a claim in Canada.

The Canadian government has argued that the bill is necessary to address concerns about border security and to ensure that Canada's immigration system is fair and efficient. "This bill is about making sure that our immigration system is working for Canadians, not against them," said a spokesperson for the Canadian government.

Critics of the bill, however, argue that it will have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, such as refugees and asylum seekers. "The bill is a step backward for refugee protection in Canada," said a spokesperson for the Canadian Council for Refugees. "It will make it even harder for people to access protection in Canada, and will likely lead to more people being turned back at the border."

The bill has been criticized by several human rights organizations and refugee advocacy groups, who argue that it will undermine Canada's commitment to protecting refugees and asylum seekers. The Canadian government has said that it will continue to work with these groups to address their concerns and ensure that the bill is implemented in a way that is fair and humane.

The bill is currently awaiting Senate approval, which is expected to take place in February. If it passes, the bill will become law and will take effect immediately.