EXPEDITE DECISIONS ON ASYLUM
The surge of asylum seekers brings with it a host of challenges. And while it would take a heart of stone not to be moved by the sight of families arriving with high hopes, ready to leave behind most of their possessions to start a new life in this country, it remains to be determined how many of the new arrivals will be found to have valid claims to refugee status.
That all-important question will be decided case by case, as it should be. Under international law, a refugee is someone who has left their country due to a well founded fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. Fleeing poverty or a natural disaster does not qualify.
The current influx includes a large proportion of Haitians who have been living in the United States for many years, but now fear deportation because the Trump administration is ending the temporary protected status offered in the wake of the 2010 earthquake. It appears many came to Canada on the basis of false rumours.
Are the new arrivals truly refugees, or are they merely circumventing the immigration process, deliberately or unwittingly? It seems likely that there are some of each. In recent years, about half of Haitian refugee claims have been accepted. But that statistic may not hold true for this latest cohort; those who have been living in the United States for several years and did not apply for refugee status there, or were turned down, will have a tough case to make. Chances are, among those who have just arrived will be many whose claims will ultimately be rejected, and who will be deported.
It is vital that resources be beefed up so that claims are heard without undue delay. Common sense suggests that spending to expedite processing would be more cost effective than spending on support for refugee claimants. It is also important for our political leaders, starting with the prime minister, to adjust their messaging so no one is under the mistaken impression our borders are wide open.
Canadians are generous people; the response to the Syrian refugee crisis has shown that. And we have room to welcome more of the world’s 1.2 million already-identified refugees awaiting resettlement. There is room, too, to welcome greater numbers of immigrants, of all backgrounds. But these should be chosen and processed through proper channels.
No one without a valid refugee claim should expect to be able to just walk in and stay.