The US is accelerating asylum claim processing at its northern border to curb illegal crossings from Canada. Under the revised Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), asylum seekers must present their documents to U.S. officials during initial screenings and have only four hours, reduced from 24, to consult a Consultant. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the changes aim to streamline the process without compromising access to fair asylum procedures. This move follows a sharp rise in illegal crossings, with over 12,600 migrants detained in the first half of 2024, surpassing last year’s total.
