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

According to the bill, refugee claimants who have previously made claims in other countries, including the United States, will be ineligible for refugee status in Canada. The bill also introduces stricter security measures at the border, including enhanced screening and biometric data collection.

Idil Atak, a professor of refugee and human rights law at Toronto Metropolitan University, described the bill as "very regressive in terms of refugee protection." Atak stated that the new rules will make it more difficult for refugees to access protection in Canada and will likely lead to a decrease in the number of refugees accepted.

The Canadian government has argued that the bill is necessary to strengthen the country's immigration system and prevent abuse of the refugee system. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser stated that the bill will help to ensure that Canada's immigration system is fair and efficient.

The bill has been met with criticism from refugee advocates and human rights groups, who argue that it will lead to the scapegoating of immigrants and fuel xenophobia. The Canadian Council for Refugees, a non-profit organization that advocates for refugee rights, has expressed concerns that the bill will make it more difficult for refugees to access protection in Canada.

The bill's passage through the House of Commons has been swift, with the bill receiving its third reading on December 11. The Senate is expected to consider the bill in February, and if approved, it will become law.

Background on the bill's introduction and the current state of Canada's refugee system is necessary to understand the implications of the bill. Canada has a long history of accepting refugees, and the country has a reputation for being a welcoming destination for those fleeing persecution and violence. However, in recent years, the country has faced increasing pressure to strengthen its borders and immigration system.

The Canadian government has argued that the bill is necessary to address concerns about the integrity of the refugee system and to prevent abuse. The bill's introduction has been met with criticism from refugee advocates, who argue that it will lead to the scapegoating of immigrants and fuel xenophobia.

Additional perspectives on the bill's implications are provided by experts in the field. According to David Matas, a human rights lawyer and expert on refugee law, the bill will make it more difficult for refugees to access protection in Canada. Matas stated that the new rules will lead to a decrease in the number of refugees accepted and will have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations.

The current status of the bill is that it has been passed through the House of Commons and is awaiting Senate approval. If the Senate approves the bill, it will become law in February. The implications of the bill's passage will be significant, and refugee advocates and human rights groups will continue to monitor the situation closely.