The Media Roundup provides links to recent and archived articles, in both English and French, on immigration and diversity appearing in the national and local news. Some international content is also included. Articles are updated weekly.
CBC News – Hundreds of Iranians in Limbo as Security Screenings Delay Immigration Applications
More than 300 Iranian graduate and postdoctoral students say they’ve faced unreasonable wait times as their permanent residency applications are processed. The estimated wait time given on the government of Canada’s website is six months. But many students say they’ve waited several years, with many of them told that their applications are undergoing security screenings. The delays with their immigration status have forced them to put their academic and professional lives on hold, they say.
CBC News – Canadians Split Over Accepting Dreamers from U.S., Survey Finds
A new public opinion survey from the Angus Reid Institute finds 64 per cent of Canadians say America’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program should remain. 38 per cent of Canadians say this country should offer DACA recipients the opportunity to come to here, while 34 per cent say the offer should not be made. The rest, 28 per cent, are unsure. Canadians’ views vary significantly depending on their familiarity with the DACA program, age, and political leanings, the institute said in a news release.
Toronto Star – Syrian Refugees Fundraising for Calgary’s Homeless
According to Carla Belanger, James Fowlers English language learning leader and teacher of the LEAD class, about 90 per cent of the class’ 45 students are Syrian refugees who came to Calgary from the refugee influx two years ago. The LEAD class came up with the idea to sell slushies to raise money for the Mustard Seed, a Calgary organization that helps the homeless. Belanger said the students wanted to help the Mustard Seed because, earlier this year, they had a guided tour of the facility. She said they can relate to being without a home.
Le Devoir – Des travailleurs agricoles du Honduras se réfugient dans une église
Sept travailleurs migrants agricoles du Honduras se sont réfugiés dans une église de Granby. Ils ont tous quitté entre la mi-janvier et la mi-mars l’entreprise d’attrapage de volailles Équipe Sarrazin et dénoncent les conditions de travail, des atteintes à leur dignité, des lésions professionnelles et des heures de transport non payées.
CBC News – How Kids Who Don’t Speak the Same Language Become Best Friends
Every child who walks into Todd Dickey’s classroom has just arrived to Canada. Dickey, who runs the Care of Newcomer Children program, which is a collaboration between the Cross Cultural Learner Centre and the Merrymount Crisis Centre, has noticed one longstanding theme. The common thread since the program was formed in 2016 is that differences can lead to the most enduring friendships, according to Dickey. Dickey sees children sharing different parts of their culture with one another, from songs to stories to games from their home countries.
CBC News – Minister, Union Head Disagree on How to Deal with Migrant Influx
The minister of immigration and the head of Canada’s Customs and Immigration Union are at odds over what they see as the right approach to handling a spike in irregular border crossings from the U.S. While Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen is emphasizing education and outreach, union head Jean-Pierre Fortin is pleading for more resources at the border.
