Story perspectives

Canadian Law Spurs 56,000 U.S. Citizenship Surge, Delays Refugees

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Canadian citizenship law effective Dec. 15 sparked a surge of citizenship-by-descent applications from Americans.
Immigration attorneys on both sides of the border say their offices are swamped.
Applicants like Michelle Cunha of Bedford, Massachusetts, cite President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and face fees from C$75 up to $6,500.
IRCC reports about 56,000 pending cases and 1,480 confirmations from Dec. 15 to Jan. 31, raising concerns the surge may delay refugee processing.

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Story summary

The Canadian citizenship law effective Dec. 15 sparked a surge of citizenship-by-descent applications from Americans.
Immigration attorneys on both sides of the border say their offices are swamped.
Applicants like Michelle Cunha of Bedford, Massachusetts, cite President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and face fees from C$75 up to $6,500.
IRCC reports about 56,000 pending cases and 1,480 confirmations from Dec. 15 to Jan. 31, raising concerns the surge may delay refugee processing.