Canada’s border agents may see an influx of undocumented Mexican immigrants seeking refuge in Canada if the U.S. federal government changes its stance on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
President Donald Trump is expected to make an announcement on Tuesday that he’s keeping one of his campaign promises to end one of former President Barack Obama’s programs.
There are around 800,000 people that have been targeted as part of Trump’s plan to end DACA.
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Immigration lawyer and policy analyst Richard Kurland says he isn’t surprised, and Canada needs to be ready for how to approach anyone seeking refuge in the country.
“It’s really odd. President Trump blamed Mexico for allowing illegal Mexicans entering the United States. It’s President Trump that is creating the immigration conditions within the United States causing Canada to receive illegal migration. So he can’t have it both ways. At some point, we have to consider sending Washington a bill.”
Kurland says Canadian border guards will need a blueprint on how to handle anyone crossing into Canada.
“If it turns out that the person is inadmissible to Canada, it’s a turn back. Back to the United States. This is where you get into the space wizardry, because what if the Americans don’t accept the person back, or will the Americans incarcerate and prepare for removal? Or will the individuals try to get paper work to reach a Canadian airport in order to depart Canada legally?”
Obama created DACA in 2012 allowing young immigrants to apply for a reprieve from deportation and a work permit which could be renewed.
With files from Global News