On Monday Donald Trump signed a series of executive orderswhich concern, among others, tightening immigration regulations, including mass deportations of millions of people staying in the country illegally, or recognizing only two genders as part of the “defense of women against the extremism of gender ideology”.
Canada responds to the situation in the US. “This will be a test”
Alex Dughman-Manzur of the Vancouver-based Rainbow Refugee Society said Canadian organizations dedicated to helping LGBTQ refugees have received more than 900 inquiries since Trump's re-election. He explained that American citizens can simply go to Canada and cross the border apply for refugee status.
What about people who do not have American citizenship or other documents? “They are taking risks sending back to the USAif they try to apply for asylum at a regular border crossing. Instead, they can try to cross the border undetected and then do so after 14 days apply for asylum” – reports the Canadian broadcaster CBC.
– This will be a test of the Canadian system – said Gabriela Ramo, former chairwoman of the immigration section of the Canadian Bar Association.
“We won't be cruel.” The Canadian minister responds to Donald Trump's decisions
Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller said his ministry has not yet seen an increase in the number of people trying to enter Canada to seek asylum. – We are prepared for every eventuality – said the politician.
However, he stressed that people trying to enter Canada “in an irregular manner” would be returned. He also warned that in the current conditions, trying to cross the border is dangerous. At the same time, Miller said he does not expect large numbers of people to be deported to Canada and is monitoring the actions closely United States. – Canada will be firm and fair. We will absolutely not be cruel – he assured.
Canada ready for an influx of immigrants from the US? “It's going to be quite a mess.”
“We are ready at the border and have been for several weeks,” said Sgt. Charles Poirier, spokesman for Canadian Border Services. “The number of migrants has decreased over the last few weeks and We didn't notice any increase. While we recorded daily activity during the summer, it's quite calm now“- he said.
Meanwhile, Mark Weber, president of the Canadian Customs and Immigration Association, said the government should allow services to patrol border crossings. He also noted that there are border officers in the provinces they don't have proper training to handle immigration and refugee matters and will have to transport detained persons to the appropriate authorities.
– We are not ready for such numbers. Worst case scenario, it will be quite a mess – said Weber.