Bill C-2, or the "Strong Borders Act," has sparked a significant discussion around its potential implications for refugee claims in Canada. The proposed legislation aims to streamline processes and reduce the backlog at the Refugee Protection Division (RPD), but it comes with stricter eligibility criteria that could particularly affect "sur place" claims made by individuals already in the country, such as international students and temporary residents seeking regularization.

International students and PGWP holders have faced increasing challenges in transitioning to permanent residency through economic class pathways. This has led to concerns about the future of these individuals and the impact on Canada's immigration system as a whole. With the US also seeing significant changes under the Trump administration, the situation is complex and evolving.

The interviews with Raj Sharma KC on CBC Eyeopener and RED FM Calgary highlight the challenges that international students, PGWP holders, and refugees face in navigating the immigration system. The conversation also touched on the changing public perception of immigration due to the strain on housing, infrastructure, and healthcare resources caused by the large influx of temporary residents.

The insights from Ashwin Sharma, a US immigration attorney, provide a comparative perspective on the situation in the United States, where strict policies have left many with precarious statuses and limited options for permanency. This could potentially lead to an increase in refugee claimants seeking refuge in Canada.

Overall, the proposed changes reflect a broader trend in Western nations towards more restrictive immigration policies and scrutiny of refugees and migrants. It remains to be seen how these developments will unfold and what long-term effects they will have on Canada's immigration landscape and the individuals affected by these policies.