There has been a marked increase in irregular border crossings, especially outside official ports of entry. This has put Canada’s immigration and refugee system under scrutiny. It has also sparked an emotional debate with important policy implications for Ottawa, the provinces, and Canada-US relations. Key questions include: Who should qualify for asylum or refugee protection under the law? Proponents argue that migrants have a legal right to claim refugee status in Canada. Critics say these irregular crossings bypass Canada’s refugee system and abuse the law.