By BlogHear News Team
Published: May 29, 2025
Niagara Falls, ON – For Araceli, a Salvadoran mother of two, the Rainbow Bridge that connects the United States to Canada was not just a crossing—it was the final gateway to safety after years of uncertainty in America.
After living undocumented in the United States for more than a decade, Araceli and her family were among a growing number of migrants seeking refuge in Canada amid concerns over strict U.S. immigration enforcement. Their journey, marked by failed asylum attempts and detention, sheds light on the increasing complexity of cross-border migration under current policies.
Three Attempts, One Final Chance
On March 17, 2025, Araceli, her partner, and her daughters—aged four and 14—made their first attempt to seek asylum at the Rainbow Bridge. Armed with documents proving family ties to siblings already in Canada, they were hopeful. But a minor discrepancy in a birth certificate—common in El Salvador—led to their denial under the Safe Third Country Agreement, which generally prevents asylum claims from individuals denied in the U.S.
“We had all the documents, but they found a detail on my father’s last name,” Araceli told BBC Mundo from a migrant shelter in Buffalo, New York. The family was sent back and detained by U.S. authorities for 14 days.
A second attempt also failed. Although they were told by U.S. officials they could try again, Canadian border agents turned them away, labeling the second application as a formal reconsideration—an option only granted once. Advocates argue this was a procedural misstep.
Rising Trend in Border Rejections
While overall crossings from Canada into the U.S. have declined, rejections at the Canadian border have risen sharply. According to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) data, 359 individuals were found ineligible for asylum in April 2025—up from 180 in the same month in 2024.
Lawyer Heather Neufeld, who represented the family, said that recent Canadian policy changes, including a C$1.3 billion investment to boost border security, have made asylum claims more difficult. “There are many families like Araceli’s, but most lack the legal or financial means to pursue justice,” Neufeld noted.
Legal Victory and New Beginnings
After legal intervention, a Canadian federal court granted the family a rare third opportunity. On May 5, 2025—seven weeks after their initial attempt—they crossed the bridge again, this time accompanied by legal counsel.
After a tense 12-hour review, Araceli and her daughters were granted entry into Canada.
“I felt immense joy, it’s indescribable,” she said in an interview with CBC. “My daughters gave me so much strength.”
The family’s reunion, however, was incomplete. Araceli’s partner remained in ICE custody in the U.S. until two weeks later, when he was released on bail after the family sold belongings to cover legal expenses.
A Reflection of a Larger Migration Crisis
Experts say this case illustrates a broader trend of asylum seekers fleeing not only violence in their countries of origin but also increasingly stringent immigration policies in the United States.
Despite the CBSA stating no formal policy changes have been made, advocates and immigration attorneys argue that enforcement has become tougher since Canada increased cooperation with U.S. immigration authorities.
“There are many more Aracelis,” said Neufeld. “Their stories remain untold, and their battles continue quietly across the northern border.”
For more updates on immigration, international policy, and human stories that matter, visit BlogHear.com — your destination for insightful news coverage.
