an alliance of university, community, and government partners dedicated to fostering welcoming communities and promoting the integration of immigrants and minorities across Canada
The Media Roundup provides links to recent and archived articles, in both English and French, on immigration and diversity appearing in the national and local news. Some international content is also included. Articles are updated weekly.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada News Release – Making Canada’s Asylum System Faster and Fairer: New Asylum System Comes into Force December 15, 2012
Canada’s new asylum system, which was included in the Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act, will come into force on December 15, 2012, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today. […] Failed asylum claimants from countries that have a history of producing genuine refugees will have the benefit of this full fact-based appeal. The new [Refugee Appeal Division] will have the authority to reverse a negative decision by the [Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada], if the evidence compels it. […] For claimants from countries that do not normally produce refugees, their claims will be expedited, but they will still receive the same individualized hearing that all asylum claimants currently receive.
Vancouver Sun – Feds Reject Provincial Calls for More Immigration Powers
The federal government is not prepared to cede control over immigration to the provinces to the degree it has for Quebec, despite pressure to do so from Canadian premiers, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said Friday. […] Quebec has long administered its own immigration program, but last week, at meeting of provincial and territorial leaders in Halifax, Canadian premiers told the federal government they “want to become masters of our own destiny.” They demanded control over both the number of immigrants they could take in and over settlement and integration programs. They ultimately called on Ottawa to hand over many of the same immigration powers Quebec enjoys.
Toronto Star – Changes to Refugee System: Immigration Minister Jason Kenney Lays Out Criteria for “Safe” Countries
Asylum seekers from 23 countries would be presumed “unfounded refugees” and stripped of their appeal rights under changes to the refugee system that take effect in December. Based on 2012 asylum data, these countries — including the Czech Republic, Hungary and Mexico — meet the criteria set out by Immigration Minister Jason Kenney on Friday to designate them as safe and capable of protecting their own nationals. Under the new system, refugees from Kenney’s designated countries — to be revealed Dec. 15, when the changes take effect — will have their claims fast-tracked and heard within 30 to 45 days without access to the newly-established appeal mechanism and be booted out of Canada in a year. They are also banned from working in Canada unless their claim has been in the system for more than 180 days and no decision has been made, and are ineligible for health care coverage, not even for medical emergencies.
Globe and Mail – Overhaul of Canada’s Refugee System Takes Effect Dec. 15: Immigration Minister
Major elements of an overhaul to Canada’s refugee system go into effect on Dec. 15, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said Friday. The biggest change will see the government create a list of countries from which refugee claims will be scrutinized more closely. […] Refugee claimants who are not from the designated countries will see their claims heard within 60 days and will have access to a newly enacted appeal division should the Immigration and Refugee Board reject their claim.
Globe and Mail – Canada’s Border Services Agency Looks to Widen Scope of Its Most Wanted List
Canada’s Border Services Agency wants to expand its “most wanted” list to include individuals who may face deportation, but have not yet been issued a warrant for removal – a move the CBSA admits could result in lengthy delays and negative publicity, internal memos show. […] Memos obtained by The Globe and Mail show the border services agency has struggled to come up with enough fugitives to keep the list current, prompting internal concerns that the program could become obsolete. […] Immigration lawyers say they’re worried that expanding the list’s criteria could mean ensnaring people who turn out to be innocent and damaging their reputations.
Vancouver Sun – US to Vote on Bill to Give Residency to Advanced-Degree Graduates, End Visa Lottery
A U.S. House of Representatives vote to offer permanent residency to foreign students graduating with advanced degrees in science and math from U.S. colleges and universities is setting the stage for a bigger battle next year on how to redesign the nation’s flawed immigration system. House Republicans, with the help of a minority of Democrats, are expected to prevail Friday in passing the STEM Jobs Act, which would provide up to 55,000 green cards a year to those earning masters and doctoral degrees from U.S. schools in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
