Introduction to Canadian Immigration
Canada has a long tradition of welcoming newcomers and immigrants. Canada is known around the world as being one of the most welcoming and inviting countries for immigrants and those who are looking for safe haven. Immigrants and refugees come to Canada for freedom, rights and economic opportunities. Canada is highly regarded by immigrants and refugees because Canadian citizens enjoy many rights, including equality rights, language rights and religious rights under Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. All visitors and Canadian citizens must obey Canadian laws, and must respect the rights and freedoms of others.
A picture of the Ivy Lea Bridge, a part of the Canadian/US Border
"Canada has always embraced multiculturalism."
"Canada has the broadest definition of refugee in the world... Anyone who puts a toe on the ground here can claim refugee status."
The attacks of September 11, 2001 has brought tragedy close to home and made terrorism real to Canadians. Canada has created new laws, acts and declarations in order to help ensure the safety of Canadian citizens, as well as our neighboring country, the United States. Just in the past couple of years, things such as the Anti-terrorism Act (Bill C-36), the Smart Border Declaration, and stricter guidelines for admitting immigrants and refugees into the country have been implemented. There are now many more precautions for the admission of immigrants, refugees and visitors into the country. These precautions must be taken to not only keep Canadian citizens safe, but to help out our neighboring country as well. Now at the border, the procedure for admitting outside visitors wishing to come into the country is much more thorough. More random checks are completed as well as new computer systems are beings installed at Canadian borders.
Text
by Carla Jones
Earth photo
used with permission from NASA
Athens District
High School