Canada's asylum policies are under scrutiny as critics argue that they force vulnerable migrants back into the United States, where they face deportation. Meanwhile, Colombia is poised for a presidential runoff election that could significantly alter the trajectory of its ongoing armed conflict, with a far-right candidate promising a return to military confrontation against criminal organizations.

Asylum Seekers Returned to Danger

Carlos and Antonia, a couple from Honduras, fled their home in 2021 due to gang violence, bringing their young son Alejandro with them. Their perilous journey through Guatemala and Mexico ended at the Fort Erie border crossing in Canada, where they faced a heartbreaking choice. Canadian border officials allowed Carlos and Alejandro to enter but planned to send Antonia back to the U.S. or risk all three being returned to Honduras. The family chose to stay together and was ultimately deported back to Honduras, where they now live in hiding. This situation highlights the ongoing legal challenge posed by the Canadian Council for Refugees and Amnesty International Canada, which argues that Canada's Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S. fails to protect asylum seekers adequately.

Critics have voiced concerns that Canada is tightening its asylum policies, mirroring the hardline approaches seen in the U.S. under previous administrations. New legislation has introduced stricter rules for refugee claimants, prompting accusations that the current government is adopting "Trump-style" immigration policies.

Colombia's Pivotal Election

Colombia is gearing up for a crucial presidential runoff election on Sunday, which could redefine the country's approach to its long-standing armed conflict. The frontrunner, Abelardo de la Espriella, is a far-right lawyer who has expressed a desire to abandon President Gustavo Petro's "total peace" initiative, which aims to negotiate disarmament with criminal organizations. In contrast, his opponent, Iván Cepeda, is a left-wing senator and the architect of the peace plan, advocating for its continuation with necessary modifications.

Polls indicate that more than 41 million Colombians are eligible to vote, and De la Espriella's campaign has resonated with voters seeking a strong response to crime. This election reflects a broader trend of far-right victories across Latin America, as seen in recent elections in Peru and Chile. Analysts suggest that De la Espriella's appeal as an anti-establishment outsider has garnered significant support, despite his controversial past as a lawyer for paramilitary groups.

The election comes at a time when violence in Colombia is at its highest level since the 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc). De la Espriella has promised to restore state control over areas dominated by criminal groups within a short timeframe, although he has since moderated his claims.

Wrap-up

The situations in Canada and Colombia illustrate the complex interplay of immigration policy and political dynamics in Latin America. As asylum seekers face increasingly harsh conditions in Canada, Colombia's election could lead to a significant shift in its approach to violence and peace, potentially impacting the region's stability. Both scenarios highlight the urgent need for effective and humane policies that prioritize the safety and rights of vulnerable populations.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team