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 – Former Afghan Interpreter Left in the Dark on Immigration Status After Government Paperwork Changes
Compton, who served six deployments in Afghanistan starting in 2007, met and befriended the interpreter during her first tour. Since 2021, she’s been trying to get him and his family to Canada under special immigration rules for Afghans who worked with the Canadian military during the Afghan war. In 2021, the interpreter filled out a form authorizing Compton to act as his official representative with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Recently, she said, the department cut off her access to the interpreter’s file.
Toronto Star – Interpreter’s Alleged Use of Impostors Sparks Major Review at Canada’s Refugee Board
The Immigration and Refugee Board has identified almost 200 cases involving a contracted interpreter, who is facing fraud-related charges for allegedly dispatching unauthorized individuals to do the work on his behalf at virtual hearings. The arrest of a certified interpreter in Kiswahili/Swahili, Kinyarwanda and Kirundi has raised privacy concerns for vulnerable asylum seekers as the board has transitioned increasingly to online hearings since the early days of the pandemic.
Radio-Canada – Ottawa dit prendre au sérieux la situation des enfants seuls
Le ministre fédéral de l’Immigration, Sean Fraser, dit prendre très au sérieux l’arrivée de mineurs non accompagnés au chemin Roxham. La Presse révélait mardi que leur nombre avait quintuplé depuis la pandémie. Entre-temps, les négociations se poursuivent entre Québec et Ottawa pour une compensation financière. « C’est quelque chose que nous prenons vraiment au sérieux, a affirmé le ministre en mêlée de presse mardi. Nous devons travailler en étroite collaboration avec les provinces qui accueillent les personnes vulnérables arrivées dans de telles circonstances. »
Globe and Mail – Ottawa Will Repatriate Canadian Children, but Not Their Foreign Mothers Held in Syrian Detention Camps
Four mothers and their Canadian children are held in a Kurdish-run camp for those with suspected ties to the Islamic State. Their husbands are elsewhere: two are in prisons in Syria, one is in jail in the United States and one is dead. The fate of their children, who have Canadian citizenship through their fathers, has been the focus of human-rights organizations and lawyers seeking their return to Canada.
Calgary Herald – Photography Exhibit Explores the Trauma, Resilience of Chinese Immigrants to Canada
The exhibit is We Are Immigrants by Calgary artist Raeann Cheung, who was named Emerging Photographer of the Year at last year’s Exposure Photography Festival. There are a dozen pieces by the Hong Kong-born, Calgary-based photographer. Most are manipulated archival photos of Chinese immigrants that have been placed on silk panels, which hang like sheets in a laundromat.
Global News – Ottawa Extends, Expands Work Permit Program for Hong Kong Residents
Ottawa has extended and expanded a work permit program for Hong Kong residents seeking jobs in Canada as advocates warned thousands could be shut out with its expiry. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced Monday that the federal government was extending the application deadline for the temporary three-year open work permit to Feb. 7, 2025. It was set to expire Tuesday.
