Although the number of American applicants – 245 out of roughly 55,000 total refugee claims – remains relatively small, Canada has already seen more applications from Americans this year than in any complete year since 2019. By comparison, last year, 204 Americans claimed refugee status in Canada, citing the United States as the source of their alleged persecution.

According to Reuters, there was an increase in refugee claims from the US during Trump’s first term as well. While the reasons for these claims aren’t specified in the data, eight lawyers have informed Reuters that more transgender Americans are seeking to leave the country as the Trump administration rolls back transgender rights.

To secure asylum, applicants must persuade Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board that there is no safe place for them in the US. Meanwhile, a representative from the US Department of Homeland Security remarked that individuals claiming refugee status in Canada would make space in the US for those ‘facing actual fear and persecution.’

Canadian immigration authorities emphasize that US claims face significant challenges, as individuals must demonstrate a ‘genuine fear of persecution or the threat of severe harm, such as torture or inhumane treatment, in their home country or habitual residence.’ Previously, the Daily Mail highlighted the story of a transgender woman from Arizona seeking asylum in Canada due to Trump’s policies.

Hannah Kreager, age 22, has ‘escaped’ her home state of Arizona to move to Calgary, Canada. On her GoFundMe page, Kreager explained, ‘I have left in hopes of finding a safe haven, security, and the freedom to continue receiving my prescribed medications and living my life.’

Her legal filing cited two executive orders by the Republican president, including one stating the federal government only recognizes the male and female genders, according to The Globe and Mail. As a result, US passports and identity cards with an X gender marker are no longer being issued.

‘Attitudes in the United States have grown increasingly intolerant toward trans people by those who have been influenced and emboldened by a president and administration that takes basic rights away from trans people on the basis of nothing more than their identity,’ Kreager said. ‘The danger to trans individuals in the United States is very high, while the threat my community poses is exceedingly low.’

Kreager’s attorney Yameena Ansari claims she and other Canadian immigration lawyers have been flooded with inquiries from transgender Americans since Trump took power about how they can move to their country. ‘This case is about safety,’ her attorney Yameena Ansari told the Canadian news site.

‘It’s about whether Canada will recognize the threat Hannah faces in the U.S.’ Other Americans have also applied for refugee status north of the US border. An Illinois family with transgender children has made a similar request of the Canadian government.

Kaitlyn and Ted Berg, parents to a 13-year-old child who is transgender, and 12-year-old who identifies as gender fluid, pulled their five kids from school one day after Trump’s inauguration and began planning their exit. ‘They’re kids, but they’re also people too,’ Katie told the DailyMail.com in March. ‘We’re just leaving to make a better life for our children… If my children can grow up safe, that’s all that matters.

Trump and the Supreme Court have rolled back trans rights, restricting who can access gender-affirming care, who can serve in the military, who can use what bathroom, and who can play in some sports. Meanwhile, as more Americans look for a future in Canada, several liberal celebrities such as Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres also left the US following Trump’s election, citing the president as the reason.