Crossing at Roxham Road
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en français -- en espagnol
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Here is information about crossing at Roxham Road USA in order to claim asylum in Canada. Bridges Not Borders - Créons des Ponts is group of volunteers living in the area near Roxham Road in Canada. We can’t advise you about what to do, but we want to offer information to help you decide.
HELP IN THE USA
- We work closely with Plattsburgh Cares, a volunteer organization in Plattsburgh (New York State), which gives information and support to people wanting to leave the US to seek asylum in Canada. Their refugee support page is here: Plattsburgh Cares Refugee Support. You can contact them for support at: support@plattsburghcares.org or call them at 518-243-8292 or 518-240-8866.
- ** Plattsburgh Cares volunteers visit the border at Roxham Road, USA several afternoons a week and give out free warm things in winter.
- Free legal advice: NYS Office of New Americans Immigration Hotline: 1-800-566-7636
- The New York Immigration Coalition works for all immigrants and asylum seekers in New York State. Here is a list of legal service providers on their website: https://www.nyic.org/providers/.
CANADA
INFORMATION SHEETS FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS:
The United Nations Refugee Agency in Canada has prepared 9 one-page information sheets for people who want to apply for asylum. You can go to the page UNHCR Info Sheets on this website (also in ARABIC and KREYOL), or go to their updated page on making a refugee claim: https://www.unhcr.ca/in-canada/making-refugee-claim/
It is very important that you are prepared to explain why you are seeking asylum in Canada. Bring any documents, photos or proofs you have to support your refugee claim.
The United Nations Refugee Agency in Canada has prepared 9 one-page information sheets for people who want to apply for asylum. You can go to the page UNHCR Info Sheets on this website (also in ARABIC and KREYOL), or go to their updated page on making a refugee claim: https://www.unhcr.ca/in-canada/making-refugee-claim/
It is very important that you are prepared to explain why you are seeking asylum in Canada. Bring any documents, photos or proofs you have to support your refugee claim.
BRIDGES NOT BORDERS - CRÉONS DES PONTS: Visits to Roxham Road, US
Bridges Not Borders volunteers go to Roxham Road in New York State to welcome people who come to Canada to claim asylum. In winter we give out free hats, scarves, mittens and gloves. At the moment we don't have a regular visit day or time.
Bridges Not Borders volunteers go to Roxham Road in New York State to welcome people who come to Canada to claim asylum. In winter we give out free hats, scarves, mittens and gloves. At the moment we don't have a regular visit day or time.
CROSSING AT ROXHAM ROAD
Taxis in Plattsburgh should charge you a maximum of $90 for the trip to take you from the Plattsburgh bus station, airport or train station to the Canadian border (there are still no trains to Plattsburgh as of December 7, 2021).
When you arrive at the border at Roxham Road, wait on the US side until the Canadian police officer speaks to you and asks if you understand.
Taxis in Plattsburgh should charge you a maximum of $90 for the trip to take you from the Plattsburgh bus station, airport or train station to the Canadian border (there are still no trains to Plattsburgh as of December 7, 2021).
When you arrive at the border at Roxham Road, wait on the US side until the Canadian police officer speaks to you and asks if you understand.
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Police officers will say these three things to asylum seekers:
1. It is illegal to cross here. 2. If you want to cross legally into Canada you can go to the official Port of Entry at St Bernard de Lacolle (**Important - See below) 3. If you cross here you will be arrested. *Officers should say these three things only and should not add personal remarks or questions. After having listened to the officer, you can cross. Although you will be arrested when you cross into Canada at Roxham Road, this is temporary. Because you are seeking asylum, you will not be charged with illegal entry. |
** IMPORTANT: If you go to the official Port of Entry at Lacolle - it is very likely that you will not be able to enter Canada because of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA). If you are refused entry you can never apply for asylum in Canada, and you may be transferred to the custody of US border officials who may detain you. See information about the STCA HERE.
Despite the police directive, according to the UN Refugee Agency and Canadian legal experts it is not illegal to cross into Canada this way. See more here: http://www.bridgesnotborders.ca/myths-and-facts-2.html
After the police interview at Roxham Road, you will be taken to immigration offices at St Bernard de Lacolle. There you will be interviewed by an agent of the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) about your refugee claim (this is what it is called in Canada) and also go through security screening. If you have to quarantine you will be taken to a quarantine hotel (14 days). If not, you will then be released and able to travel by bus to Montreal.
At the moment (December 2021) the average waiting time to appear before the person deciding your refugee claim is approximately 24 months.
At the moment (December 2021) the average waiting time to appear before the person deciding your refugee claim is approximately 24 months.
If you decide to come here to seek asylum, we hope you will be able to make
a good and safe life for yourself and your loved ones in Canada.
a good and safe life for yourself and your loved ones in Canada.
