Canadian Jews considering immigration to US under Trump amid increasing fear of antisemitism
Florida Sen. Rick Scott, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, and US President Donald Trump, all Republicans, have alluded to the idea of extending refugee status to Canadian Jews who fear antisemitism.
Canadian Jews are contemplating immigration to the United States due to rising levels of antisemitism, with some even acquiring foreign passports as a precautionary measure. Sari Watson, a 39-year-old Quinte West, Ontario resident, was too scared to attend Yom Kippur services as she feared a similar incident to the one at her childhood synagogue.
Republican politicians such as Florida Sen. Rick Scott and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt have suggested extending refugee status to Canadian Jews fearing increasing antisemitism. President Donald Trump, a Republican, has also expressed concern over the climate and danger. However, many Canadian Jews, like Sheldon Shugal, feel the need to leave their home country due to the intensifying antisemitism.
B'nai Brith Canada reported a 9.3% increase in antisemitic incidents between 2024-2025, with online harassment surging and Ontario experiencing the most incidents. A recent report by immigration lawyer Lauren Cohen showed that about half of her Canadian clients cite antisemitism as a primary reason for wanting to leave for the United States.
Some Canadian Jews, like Shugal, prefer to remain in Canada due to its social safety net and healthcare system.
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