Public outrage and political pressure mount as questions arise over Canada’s immigration policies and national security measures in light of alleged Iranian regime affiliates entering the country.
Rising Tensions Over Alleged Iranian Regime Affiliates in Canada
A growing chorus of political leaders, Iranian-Canadian activists, and human rights groups are voicing alarm over reports that individuals connected to the Iranian regime have been able to enter and reside in Canada. The controversy has sparked a national debate over border security, immigration vetting processes, and the country’s commitment to human rights and global accountability.
At the heart of the issue is the alleged presence of former or current Iranian officials—some accused of human rights abuses or affiliation with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—on Canadian soil. Critics argue that Canada is becoming a safe haven for individuals who may be complicit in oppressive actions abroad, especially in the aftermath of the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests and violent crackdowns by the Iranian government.
Government Under Pressure to Act
The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is under increasing pressure to explain how these individuals were able to enter the country, and what steps—if any—are being taken to review or reverse their immigration status.
In recent parliamentary sessions, opposition members demanded more transparency. Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman stated, “Canadians deserve to know why individuals with ties to a brutal regime are living freely in Canada while thousands of Iranian dissidents fear for their lives.”
Trudeau’s government has responded by reaffirming its commitment to human rights and sanctioning dozens of Iranian officials in recent years. However, critics argue that enforcement and implementation of these measures remain weak.
Iranian-Canadian Community Speaks Out
Canada is home to one of the largest Iranian diasporas in the world. Many Iranian-Canadians, especially those who fled political persecution, feel betrayed by what they see as a failure of the Canadian government to distinguish between victims and perpetrators of the regime.
“I came to Canada to escape the fear and surveillance I lived under in Iran,” said Niloufar, a Vancouver-based activist who asked that her full name be withheld. “Now I see people here who were part of the regime that oppressed us. How is this possible?”
Organizations such as Justice for Iran and the Iranian Justice Collective have documented dozens of suspected regime affiliates in North America and submitted their findings to Canadian authorities.
Security Concerns and Legal Hurdles
Security experts point to systemic gaps in Canada’s vetting process for immigrants and refugees. While the IRGC has been listed as a terrorist organization in the United States, it has not yet received the same designation in Canada—though parts of it, such as the Quds Force, are listed.
This legal distinction limits the Canadian government’s ability to detain or deport individuals associated with the broader IRGC, unless there is direct evidence of criminal or terrorist activity.
National security expert Wesley Wark explains, “Canada has legal standards for due process. You can’t deport someone just for suspicion. There must be credible evidence. That makes it more difficult to act quickly, even when public pressure is high.”
Calls for IRGC Listing and Policy Reform
In response to the growing outrage, numerous MPs, advocacy groups, and legal experts are calling for the Canadian government to list the entire IRGC as a terrorist organization, which would make it illegal for anyone affiliated with the group to enter or reside in the country.
So far, Ottawa has resisted a full IRGC designation, citing concerns over unintended consequences, such as penalizing ordinary Iranians who were conscripted into the group without choice.
Still, human rights advocates argue that doing nothing is far worse. “The IRGC is the enforcement arm of one of the most repressive regimes in the world,” said Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the Center for Human Rights in Iran. “Canada must draw a line between supporting human rights and enabling human rights v