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.
Winnipeg Free Press – Remark Abut Algerians in Quebec: Premier Won’t Condemn
The premier of Quebec is refusing to condemn anti-immigrant remarks made against one of his opponents. Liberal Leader Jean Charest, campaigning for re-election, was asked twice at a news conference Thursday about comments made against a Parti Quebecois candidate with Algerian roots. […] Other leaders have strongly condemned the remarks from Tremblay — who in several media interviews joked that he couldn’t pronounce the name of Djemila Benhabib and said he didn’t like “these people” from Algeria coming here to impose their rules.
Toronto Star – Young Immigrants Line Up for a Chance to Stay in U.S.
Lines of young, undocumented students formed outside immigration offices in states with big immigrant populations such as California and Texas on Wednesday. As many as 1.7 million people could qualify for the temporary program, which enables them to apply for work permits, Social Security cards and driver’s licences, according to the Pew Hispanic Center. President Barack Obama, whose administration has aggressively deported illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds, announced in June he was moving to help this group of youths — many of them Hispanic — who have become increasingly vocal in calling for help.
Toronto Star – Canada May Limit Study Permits and Visas of Foreign Students
In an attempt to weed out “disingenuous” international students, Ottawa plans to grant student visas and work permits to only those enrolling in government-accredited schools. “The proposed regulatory changes would ensure that study permit holders are genuine students by requiring students to enroll in and actively pursue a course or program of study after arrival in Canada,” said Citizenship and Immigration spokesperson Nancy Caron. “Institutions that are not designated by provinces and territories would no longer be able to host international students.”
Toronto Star – Australian PM Proposes Deportation of Asylum Seekers to Papua New Guinea, Nauru
Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s centre-left Labor Party had long argued against the concept of Australian-funded detention camps on the island nations as an expensive waste of money that would fail to deter new arrivals. But she said her government has accepted the recommendation of an expert panel on Monday to reopen camps established a decade ago by a conservative administration, and that legislation to enable the deportation of asylum seekers will be introduced to Parliament when it resumes Tuesday after a six-week break.
The Guardian – Australian Refugee Plan Criticised by Human Rights Groups
A panel of experts set up to advise the Australian government how to deal with refugees who arrive by boat has recommended they be processed offshore in a third country, prompting condemnation from legal and human rights groups. […] The panel also recommended increasing Australia’s humanitarian intake from 13,750 a year to 20,000 (rising to 27,000 over five years), as an incentive for refugees to apply through regular immigration channels. Turning back asylum boats to where they came from was not a safe option at the moment, it said.
Toronto Star – Frustrated Chinese Citizens Demand Refunds After Immigration Rejected
Chinese citizens who gave money to Prince Edward Island’s troubled immigration nominee program say they’re angry they haven’t been refunded, two years after Ottawa rejected their visa applications. […] Jamie Aiken, the province’s director of immigration, said rejected applicants may eventually gain access to a $9 million trust fund that can provide about $55,000 per person. Aiken said the fund will cover 164 rejected applicants, but the province must first ensure it has money for them before starting payouts.
