Refugees who cross illegally into Canada from the United States are exploiting a “loophole” that should be closed, federal Conservative leadership candidate Kevin O’Leary says.

In a series of tweets Monday, O’Leary said people arriving from the United States to escape its tightened borders are taking the place of legitimate refugees who are trying to get into Canada through legal means.

O’Leary called for an end to the current exemption to Canada’s safe-third-country rule which requires refugees to stay in the first safe country they land in — unless they arrive in Canada via an illegal crossing.

O’Leary’s tweets:

•“My family, like many immigrants, worked hard for a better life here & they were rewarded for it. One of the many reasons I love Canada.”

•“A loophole in our refugee policy is being exploited. This past year, 1222 people illegally entered Quebec to request refugee status. “

•“People entering illegally are rarely detained & are eligible for welfare while their claim is processed. An unacceptable loophole.”

•“When it comes to immigration, safety of Canadians is paramount. This means applying through our immigration stream, not sneaking in.”

•“Canada’s generosity & compassion can’t be misconstrued as an invitation to abuse or undermine our immigration and refugee system.”

Let’s talk immigration. I’m the son of immigrants. Diversity & immigration are critical parts of Canada’s past, present, & future. 1/10 — Kevin O’Leary (@kevinolearytv) March 6, 2017

My family, like many immigrants, worked hard for a better life here & they were rewarded for it. One of the many reasons I love Canada. 2/10 — Kevin O’Leary (@kevinolearytv) March 6, 2017

A loophole in our refugee policy is being exploited. This past year, 1222 people illegally entered Quebec to request refugee status. 3/10 — Kevin O’Leary (@kevinolearytv) March 6, 2017

The Safe Third Country Agreement requires potential refugees entering Canada from the US turn around & make a refugee claim in the US. 4/10 — Kevin O’Leary (@kevinolearytv) March 6, 2017

Instead, when someone sneaks into Canada without presenting themselves at an official point of entry, they bypass this rule. 5/10 — Kevin O’Leary (@kevinolearytv) March 6, 2017

People entering illegally are rarely detained & are eligible for welfare while their claim is processed. An unacceptable loophole. 6/10 — Kevin O’Leary (@kevinolearytv) March 6, 2017

When it comes to immigration, safety of Canadians is paramount. This means applying through our immigration stream, not sneaking in. 7/10 — Kevin O’Leary (@kevinolearytv) March 6, 2017

Crossing illegally isn’t just a security risk, it’s unfair to the thousands in refugee camps legally trying to escape persecution. 8/10 — Kevin O’Leary (@kevinolearytv) March 6, 2017

Like my family, and so many of you, people need to apply through our immigration stream, not jump the queue by crossing illegally. 9/10 — Kevin O’Leary (@kevinolearytv) March 6, 2017