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.
Record Number of Immigrants to Be Admitted Into Canada
Canada will admit a record-high 40,000 provincial nominee immigrants in 2011, five times more than in 2005, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced Tuesday. Under the provincial nominee program, provinces can choose immigrants based on the economic needs of their jurisdiction.In 2010, there were 36,428 accepted under the nominee program. “Our government recognizes the importance of nominee programs in spreading out the benefits of immigration around the country,” Kenney said in a speech to the Vancouver Board of Trade.
Arizona Officials, Fed Up With U.S. Efforts, Seek Donations to Build Border Fence
Americans upset about illegal immigration have a new outlet for their rage: a fund set up by the State of Arizona that will use private donations to build a border wall. Critics call the state’s effort to build its own border barriers a foolhardy, feel-good campaign that will have little practical effect on illegal border crossings. But organizers in the State Legislature, which created the fund, say it will allow everyday people fed up with the inability of Congress to address the problem of illegal immigration to contribute personally to a solution.
Calling China “An Important Ally”, Baird Turns Cold Shoulder to Fugitive
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, in Beijing to warm ties, has signaled the Harper government feels little sympathy for Chinese fugitive Lai Changxing. Mr. Lai’s case has dogged relations between Beijing and Ottawa for more than a decade, as the Chinese fugitive fought his extradition, arguing he would be executed or abused if he’s returned home. But after four years of quiet in his case, Canadian immigration authorities opined last week that he would not be mistreated if sent back to China. The government moved quickly to deport him until a court order issued last Wednesday stalled the efforts.
Change to the Permanent Residence and Sponsorship Applications
Effective July 18, 2011,Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will launch new application forms: Generic Application Form for Canada, Background/Declaration, Application to Sponsor – Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking.
Madrid Protesters Force Police To Retreat In Clashes Over Treatment of Immigrants
An escalating confrontation between police and residents in a Madrid neighbourhood who are incensed by the treatment of immigrants has seen locals driving police patrols from their streets.Inspired by the “indignant” protest movement that camped out in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol square in May, residents in the multicultural neighbourhood of Lavapiés have reacted to recent attempts to detain immigrants by jeering and chanting at police. Police have twice had to call for reinforcements in riot gear so that arresting officers can leave safely. About 200 protesters gathered after an immigrant texted to say that police were asking African residents for identity documents. In another incident a crowd formed to drive police out after they arrested a Senegalese immigrant in the metro. Police said they had been chasing a drug trafficker on one occasion and, on the other, had been called to arrest a man who failed to pay for his metro ticket.
A woman claiming political persecution was on the verge of deportation to her native Kenya — after her testimony at a refugee hearing was deemed incoherent and evasive — when it was revealed a Swahili translator had “butchered” what she was saying.Last week, a Federal Court of Canada judge gave the woman another chance to state her claim — clearly, this time.
