The Canadian government has announced the reintroduction of visa requirements for Mexican nationals visiting Canada, citing a surge in asylum claims and the strain it puts on resources. Quebec's premier has been urging the government to take action to address the immigration influx, while the United States has also called for measures as some Mexicans have been crossing illegally into the US from Canada.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that the new rules would come into effect on Thursday, as the number of asylum claims from Mexican nationals has significantly grown in the past year. According to Miller, Mexico accounted for 17% of all asylum claims received by Canada, with the majority of claims either being rejected, withdrawn, or abandoned. This influx has put excessive pressure on the immigration system and social support programs, prompting the need for change.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been actively addressing this issue with Mexico's President, emphasizing the importance of reducing the flow of asylum-seekers. The visa requirement for Mexican visitors was initially lifted by Trudeau's government in late 2016, but recent data from the Immigration Department show a substantial increase in asylum claims from Mexico. In 2015, there were only 110 claims, compared to nearly 24,000 claims last year.

Furthermore, the Quebec government has been urging Ottawa to reimburse 1 billion Canadian dollars ($740 million) to cover the expenses incurred from accommodating the growing number of asylum-seekers. Miller also highlighted Canada's relationship with the United States as a factor, acknowledging that while the number of claimants crossing into the US is significantly smaller compared to the southern border, they have seen a dramatic increase in recent years.

Refugee service providers in Montreal have previously noted that Mexican families are fleeing violence, insecurity, and unemployment in Mexico. However, Canada only grants asylum to individuals who can prove they cannot safely reside in any part of their home country due to the government's inability or unwillingness to provide suitable conditions.

In response to Canada's decision, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador expressed regret but assured that it wouldn't lead to a breakdown in relations between the two countries. López Obrador stated that he would send a "small fraternal reproach" to Prime Minister Trudeau but emphasized the strong bilateral relationship that has been maintained. However, due to ongoing election campaigns in both Mexico and the United States, López Obrador expressed doubts about his attendance at the North American Leaders' Summit scheduled for April in Quebec.

Mexico's Foreign Affairs ministry released a statement, reserving the right of reciprocity in response to Canada's visa reintroduction. The government is expected to explore alternative solutions to address the situation.

With the reimposition of visa requirements, Canada aims to manage the increasing influx of asylum-seekers and alleviate the strain faced by the immigration system and social support programs. This decision has significant implications for Mexican nationals seeking to visit Canada and highlights the complexities surrounding immigration policies and bilateral relations between the two countries.