New figures indicate a rise in the number of Americans who want to make a permanent move to Canada.  

The news comes amid border closures between the two countries, surging COVID-19 cases in the United States and Trump's strict new immigration laws. 

Data from the Canadian Immigration Centre indicates that Canada is becoming a magnet for talent from the U.S. 

Over 10,000 U.S. residents immigrated north in 2019 through Canada’s Express Entry visa system. This represents a huge increase from the 600 U.S. residents who immigrated through Express Entry in 2015.

The latest figures show that Express Entry draws, which have remained ongoing throughout the pandemic, are off to their fastest start this year since 2017.

The CIC attributes this growth to the hostile immigration policy of the U.S. 

"While the need for foreign workers in the U.S. has continued to increase, political gridlock has made much needed U.S. immigration reform difficult to achieve. As such, many foreign nationals working in the U.S. have made the choice of pursuing permanent residence in Canada," they explain.

i’m embarrassed to live in america it’s literally closing down again bc people are dumb 🙈🙈🙈 anyways who’s moving to canada with me canadians have more fun

— esther 🐸🐸🐸 (@estherchopstick) July 17, 2020

Meanwhile, immigration lawyers on both sides of the border have witnessed an uptick in inquiries around issues like the border closure and how Americans can stay in Canada. 

“There’s definitely been an uptick in Americans contacting me wanting to come into Canada for sure,” said Vancouver-based immigration lawyer Mark Belanger, speaking to News 1130.

really considering moving to canada one day, they really got shit figured out and america is only going further downhill from here

— mother john misty (@notirishrach) July 17, 2020

He added: “They’re very keen to come to Canada, if they’re not already here and if they are already here, like they were here before the border closure, they are really keen on finding ways to stay here.”