Refugees.What is Canada going to do about all the refugees pouring into this country?In 2008, there were almost 37,000 asylum seekers entering Canada.There is a backlog of more than 62,000 claims pending.Some of these claimants, unfortunately, are using Canada as an easy mark to evade normal immigration procedures.
The truth is that many of these refugees are not “real” refugees, according to the UN definition, which is someone fleeing persistent persecution, making it impossible to survive in that country.Canada’s refugee system allows anyone in from anywhere.Refugees are now pouring in from Mexico and so are the Romas from the CzechRepublic, in the same way that mainly Sikhs did from India in the 1980’s.
Since January 2008, 1,506 Romas (once known as gypsies), from the CzechRepublic applied to Canada as refugees.They move mainly to southern Ontario (usually the Hamilton area), where an estimated 8,000 such refugees now live.Minister of Immigration, Jason Kenney, ordered a study on the treatment of Romas in the CzechRepublic.In late June, Mr. Kenney reported that, according to this study, Romas do not suffer state sanctioned discrimination in that country – although they do seem to experience some discrimination by their fellow countrymen.
It is significant, however, that the CzechRepublic has been a member of the European Union since 2004.As a result, residents of the CzechRepublic have freedom of movement among all European countries, with no visa required.That is, Romas can easily look for improved prospects anywhere in Europe.However, they are seeking asylum in Canada because here they are entitled to social assistance, health care, free legal advice and education for their children.
This is because of an absurd decision by the Supreme Court of Canada, in R v Singh (1986), handed down by the first female (and feminist) Supreme Court of Canada judge, Bertha Wilson.Her decisions are well known for their ideological fervour, rather than common sense.In R v Singh, Judge Wilson declared that anyone entering Canada would be entitled to all the benefits of the Charter of Rights.This has resulted in a very costly process for taxpayers.It is estimated that the cost of maintaining one refugee is approximately $10,000-$12,000 per year.To add a final insult to Canadians, if, after all legal maneuvering to remain in Canada fails, the claimant can be buoyed up by the fact that there is little effort made by immigration enforcement officials to find and deport rejected claimants.Four years ago, the auditor-general reported to Parliament that there were 36,000 outstanding warrants for the arrest of rejected claimants.Since then, that number has increased, with the result that many refused refugee claimants are now happily living very comfortable lives in Canada.Any offspring is automatically entitled to Canadian citizenship.
Long Legal Process Permitted
It can take a year or more before a refugee hearing even takes place.Even if the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) finds that the claimant is not a genuine refugee, the refugee claimant can use the legal processes to delay removal for years.After the IRB hears the application, it can be appealed to the Federal Court, then to the Federal Court of Appeal, or back to a different panel of the IRB, and it can eventually end up in the Supreme Court of Canada.The process is so extended, that it can take up to 15 years.Finally, if all else fails, the claimant can apply to the Minister on compassionate and humanitarian grounds.Naturally, this decision by the Minister can also be appealed to the Federal Court.Who pays for all of this?You do.
Strong Immigration Lobby
One of our problems is that any changes to tighten this lenient refugee system are vigorously lobbied against by the powerful immigration lobby, which consists of immigration lawyers, who make their living off this loose system, and the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) that claims to represent more than 180 immigrant organizations – most of which are subsidized by the federal government.The CCR opposes any major improvements in the Canadian refugee law, pursuing its cases to the Supreme Court of Canada, if necessary.It also conducts letter-writing campaigns and petitions, drafting letters to lobby MPs and Senators.The CCR is a strong and ruthless opponent to any changes in the system.
Politicians Reluctant to Anger Ethnic Groups
Politicians are reluctant to anger any ethnic groups, since the latter hold critical votes in an election.As a consequence, countless Ministers of Immigration and Citizenship, both Liberal and Conservative, have been bumped off the scene without making any changes to the system.They come roaring into office, but leave with a whimper, never tightening the refugee system.
US Concerned
Certainly, the United States has become deeply concerned about Canada’s open refugee policy, which makes it easy for potential terrorists to enter Canada as asylum seekers – a concern shared by many Canadians.It is a fact that most of the suspected foreign terrorists identified today in Canada have entered as asylum seekers.It is no secret that Canada is accepting many thousands of immigrants from countries supportive of terrorism.Since 1996, for example, Canada has had almost 140,000 immigrants from Pakistan, over 75,000 from Iran, and approximately 33,000 from Algeria.None of these immigrants may be terrorists, but the reality is that only some of them are checked for security and the vast majority of them are not even seen by a Canadian visa officer before obtaining their visa.
Our open refugee system also undermines the measures taken by both Canada and the United States to ensure the safety and security of their citizens, such as Canada’s Anti-terrorist Act.In short, it appears that winning and maintaining the ethnic vote and clinging to our sacred symbols of multiculturalism and diversity are more important to politicians than taking tough measures to protect our national security.
As a result of Canada’s failure to tighten up its refugee system, the U.S. is, quite rightfully, working towards a tough border policy between the two countries.This will paralyze tourism and trade – and might well destroy our good neighbour policy.
Canadians Have a Welcoming Tradition
Canadians have been justly proud of our noble tradition of refugee protection and asylum.We should retain our reputation as a haven for the dispossessed and persecuted.It is the right thing to do.However, we must not let our concern for Canada’s reputation for compassion replace common sense.
Conservatives Attempting to Deal With Refugee Problem
The Conservative government, however, is attempting at last to come to grips with our refugee problem.In July, Immigration and Citizenship Minister, Jason Kenney, announced that refugees from Mexico and the CzechRepublic must now have visas before they can enter Canada.
Developing a common security screening system for people entering the U.S. and Canada and acknowledging that the primary threat – apart from home-grown terrorists – comes from countries that produce terrorists, should be the approach taken by Canada.A common security screening system should be put in place now, before more harm befalls us.We trust that this is the direction the Conservative government will take.
We must ensure that real victims of persecution get swift relief and protection in Canada, and that economic migrants, seeking to abuse our generosity, are quickly shown the door.
Please write to the following on this critical issue:
The Right Honourable Stephen Harper
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A2
Fax:613-941-1920
The Honourable Jason Kenney, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada
