No plan to boost refugee cap in response to Trump travel ban, immigration minister says
Canada will not hike its refugee intake target in the wake of a contentious immigration and travel crackdown in the U.S., says Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen.
Under pressure by the NDP, human rights groups and refugee lawyers to bring more asylum-seekers to Canada, the minister said Canada’s plan will not change in response to an executive order by President Donald Trump that suspends the U.S. refugee program and bars entry to nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries.
“Our immigration levels plan has an allocation that is historically high for refugees,” Hussen said. “We intend to maintain that plan.”
Canada’s 2017 immigration plan is set to accommodate 40,000 refugees.
As MPs prepare for an emergency debate on the U.S. immigration and travel directives tonight, Hussen also rejected calls to suspend the Safe Third Country Agreement, a pact which considers asylum-seekers safe in both Canada and the U.S.
“All the parameters of that agreement are in place and there is no change at this time,” he said.
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Noting that the U.S. has now agreed to allow in 872 refugees who were already screened and in transit, and were previously denied entry, he said that’s a sign the situation is evolving fast, and that Canada will closely monitor developments.
“The responsible thing to do is to maintain contact, to continue to engage and make sure we monitor the situation closely to make sure we provide information to Canadians,” he said.
Call for ‘special measures’
NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan, who requested the emergency debate, held a news conference this morning urging the government to lift a cap on privately sponsored refugees and fast-track refugee claims.
The British Columbia member of Parliament laid out a number of proposed “special measures” ahead of the debate.
“There is no question that this ban promotes hate and intolerance,” she said. “This ban will have a disastrous effect for thousands of innocent travellers and refugees.”
Calling it “absolutely shocking,” Kwan said the Trump travel ban will have huge negative impact on the economy, as well as cultural and academic development.
People gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa Monday afternoon to protest an executive order signed by President Donald Trump banning citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. (CBC News)
While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent a positive message with a weekend tweet underscoring Canada’s commitment to welcoming refugees, Kwan said his words are not enough.
Tweet not enough
“A tweet is very good; it sends a clear message about where we should be. But following that we need concrete actions to go with it,” she said.
Trudeau’s tweet, which went viral, read, “To those fleeing persecution, terror war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength #WelcomeToCanada.”
Trump touched off global outrage and a wave of protests with an executive order to impose a temporary travel ban on refugees and nationals of seven Muslim-majority countries.
Canada has been given verbal assurance that permanent residents of Canada who are nationals of those countries will still be permitted entry to the U.S. They are required to present their permanent residence card in addition to their passport from their country of origin.
Any visa requirement that pre-existed the travel ban would still be required.
NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan is urging the government to take ‘special measures’ in response to a U.S. crackdown on immigration and travel. (CBC)
Article source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-kwan-trump-travel-ban-1.3959617?cmp=rss