Objection to Visa Rules for Czech Republic

[thetreble 19]

Thoughts?

Interesting...

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I object. My parents now also need a damn visa. ridiculous.

[thetreble 19]

Yeah I saw that. Any other countries listed?

[trailmix 77]

Seems it is only Mexico and the Czech Republic. As I mentioned in the vent thread, I think it's too bad that now every traveller from these countries has to have a visa. I'm just not sure how they can stop the flow of refugees without requiring visas.

Canada to require visas from Mexico, Czech Republic

By Peter O'Neil, Europe Correspondent, Canwest News Service July 13, 2009

PARIS — Canada has announced it will impose visa requirements effective a minute after midnight Tuesday on the top two sources of refugee claimants — Mexico and the Czech Republic.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said many of the asylum requests are either rejected or abandoned, raising questions about the legitimacy of the claimants' allegations that they face persecution in their home countries.

The vast majority of the Czechs seeking asylum are from that country's Roma minority, which has faced a long history of racism and persecution according to various international human rights organizations.

Kenney defended the decision, which is expected to prompt criticism from human rights workers and the Czech government. The Czech Republic has complained already about rumours of the pending decision. link

Edited July 14, 2009 by trailmix

[bowflex 0]

I've heard quite a bit lately about how Canada is attempting to slow down the immigration flow actually. My wife and her family went to Canada through the Freedom House Organ-eye-zation (for you Canadians Lol) and applied throught he Humanitarian and Compassionate process. We just heard recently that Freedom House is no longer inexistence and that it is much, much harder to get approved to immigrate to Canada through that process as well.

Well I can see both sides of the case here, I really think it could've been done in a much better way than just changing the requirements for a few countries. A flow of immigrants from a certain area should show the world that something needs to be done in that place, not just make it harder for those poor people to escape.

[Krikit 1,165]

Organ-eye-zation (for you Canadians Lol)

I didn't know we had a particular way of saying that.

Fischer said, along with the other measures, the Czechs would call back their ambassador to Canada for consultations and introduce visas for Canadian diplomats and civil servants.

Oooooh. Ouch. I'm telling Mom.

Seriously, though. Is it really a good idea to withdraw their ambassador? Shouldn't that person be left in Canada to fact-find and negotiate?

[bowflex 0]

Organ-eye-zation (for you Canadians Lol)

I didn't know we had a particular way of saying that.

Fischer said, along with the other measures, the Czechs would call back their ambassador to Canada for consultations and introduce visas for Canadian diplomats and civil servants.

Oooooh. Ouch. I'm telling Mom.

Seriously, though. Is it really a good idea to withdraw their ambassador? Shouldn't that person be left in Canada to fact-find and negotiate?

Haha yep makes me laugh whenever I'm watching Hockey Night in Canada

I hope that ambassador has their visa already or maybe they won't get back in

[thetreble 19]

It's actually going to hurt them if they start requiring visas for Canadian dimplomats. If they have a crises and they want our help, "Sorry, going to take 2 months to get there!" It doesn't work in their favour so he's just saying it out of spite.

Bowflex-What I don't understand is the last time I heard, Canada had a negative population growth. (I am talking about babies being born from Canadian citizens) Therefore, don't we NEED immigration in high numbers. Maybe we are just looking for more skilled immigrants now?I don't really know.

And while I agree that if many immigrants are coming to Canada from one part of the world and that should send up a red flag for every one, I really don't think that's our job.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Still pissy about it. Sue me

[Krikit 1,165]

I hope that ambassador has their visa already or maybe they won't get back in

[bowflex 0]

Bowflex-What I don't understand is the last time I heard, Canada had a negative population growth. (I am talking about babies being born from Canadian citizens) Therefore, don't we NEED immigration in high numbers. Maybe we are just looking for more skilled immigrants now?I don't really know.

And while I agree that if many immigrants are coming to Canada from one part of the world and that should send up a red flag for every one, I really don't think that's our job.

Yeah I believe that the immigration push from Canada is to get more skilled workers instead of the families that have a tremendous work ethic but might not have the skills that are needed for the economy. Definitely a tough issue as "unskilled" people still deserve a great qualify of life but as in any issue the country will also have needs as well.

And I definitely agree it's not Canada's job but, as growing up outside of Canada, the one thing I've always hard the most is that Canada doesn't want to fight for no reason but they will surely help in any way possible. Whenever I think of humanitarian efforts around the world I always first thing of Britain, Canada, and the US. I just think it'd help any country experiencing an immigration boom from one location in the world to offer aid and try to help the situation if possible.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Canada is a country of immigrants, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. Given the negative population growth we are reliant on people migrating over, as you mentioned Treble.

However, refugees are a whole different animal. The Canadian government and border officials have little to no control over the influx of refugees showing up at our borders. I had a conversation with my aunt who is an IO at the Peace Bridge a couple months back, and she was telling me that they are very careful to steer potential refugees away from even saying the word, because the moment they proclaim the word "refugee" they are entitled to be reviewed and considered entry based on their claim. Refugee claims can take up to two years to process, and are subject to appeals. During this time the potential immigrant is unable to work and thus, receives benefits to live directly from the federal government.

I'm not saying that allowing refugees into the country isn't a valiant cause, but the current system of free flow is costing the government and taxpayers a huge sum of money on an annual basis. This new visa law is a start to curb this huge flow of refugees, but targeting two specific groups seems contradictory to what Canada is all about... If we have identified the refugee system as broken, then we should reconsider our laws and policies that encourage so many people to try to enter Canada this way. Mexican's and Czech's are the only ones utilizing this system... Personally, I see it as discriminatory.

[justashooter 430]

just be glad that the mexicans sneaking into America can't afford a plane ticket to canada.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Still pissy about it. Sue me

before you post again, can I please see ur passport len? lol (Scott runs and hides!!)

[Krikit 1,165]

just be glad that the mexicans sneaking into America can't afford a plane ticket to canada.

And your point is?