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Canada’s Immigration Policies — Misperception vs. RealityNumerous misperceptions exist in the United States regarding Canada’s immigration policies. Here are a few and the actual situation: Some of the 9/11 Hi-jackers entered through Canada: FALSE. Anyone can immigrate to Canada: FALSE. As in the United States, immigration in Canada is regulated by comprehensive legislation that allows for the admission of persons who meet legislative requirements and the denial of entry to those who pose a threat to public safety or national security. In 2005, over 260,000 legal immigrants were admitted to Canada. That same year, the United States accepted approximately 1.1 million legal immigrants. The mix of immigrant categories and source countries of immigrants are different for the two countries, but all must meet statutory criteria related to security, criminality and medical requirements. Canada’s highly trained visa officers screen ALL immigrant applicants abroad to protect the safety and security of Canadians. Canada works with partners to target and intercept security threats before they arrive in North America. Canada has Migration Integrity Officers in 39 locations abroad who assist airlines in identifying improperly documented persons attempting to board flights to Canada. In the past five years, these officers have intercepted more than 30,000 improperly documented persons. Canada does not detain illegal immigrants: FALSE. Canada has a large number of illegal immigrants: FALSE. The Northern and the Southern U.S. borders are the same: FALSE. The Canada-U.S. Smart Border Declaration and Action Plan, signed on December 12, 2001, encompasses key immigration-related action steps, including joint registered traveler programs such as NEXUS, visa policy coordination, sharing advance passenger information, managing refugee/asylum processing and the removal of deportees. Together Canada and the United States have made important progress toward strengthening the secure movement of people between the two countries. |
Last Updated: 2006-06-19 | Important Notices |