U.S. should be concerned about illegal immigration from Canada: Canadian survey

More than 80 per cent of Canadians believe the flow of illegal immigrants from Canada to the U.S. is a concern, according to a new survey.

The Nanos Research survey, commissioned by CTV News and released this month, suggests that a majority view the border crossings as problematic for the U.S.

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Respondents were asked, "Do you think illegal immigrants crossing the border from Canada into the United States are a major problem, minor problem or not a problem for the United States?"

• 50 per cent said, "Minor problem"
• 31 per cent said, "Major problem"
• 14 per cent said, "Not a problem"
• 5 per cent were "unsure"

On Nov. 2, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to implement trade tariffs against Canada and Mexico in an attempt to have the other members of the Canada–United States–Mexico free trade agreement (CUSMA) take action against the movement of illicit narcotics and illegal immigrants into the United States.

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Respondents in Quebec were the most likely to view the movement of illegal immigrants as a "major problem" for the U.S. (37.4 per cent), followed by the Prairies (33.5 per cent) and Ontario (32.4 per cent).

"Major problem" was the response of 32.9 per cent of men and 29.4 per cent of women.

Methodology

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,084 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between Nov. 30 and Dec. 4 as part of an omnibus survey. Participants were randomly recruited by telephone using live agents and administered a survey online. The sample included both land- and cell-lines across Canada. The results were statistically checked and weighted by age and gender using the latest Census information and the sample is geographically stratified to be representative of Canada. Individuals randomly called using random digit dialling with a maximum of five call backs. The margin of error for this survey is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. This study was commissioned by CTV News and the research was conducted by Nanos Research.

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  A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer canine unit searches vehicles at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry in Buffalo, N.Y. on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston)