As the ongoing changes in American politics and social conditions continue, more and more Americans with Canadian lineage are seeking to regain Canadian citizenship and move north. Their parents or grandparents are Canadians.
Photo source: 51 journalist photo
The application wave spans all ages and classes, unprecedented in its breadth.
Canadian immigration lawyer Chantal Desloges told CTV: "Many people are extremely uneasy about the direction of the United States, especially under the Trump administration's expansion of power and the suppression of certain group rights. They no longer feel safe."
This wave of citizenship applications spans all ages and social classes, with a breadth "unprecedented."
Vancouver immigration lawyer Richard Kurland said: "In previous years after the U.S. presidential election, there were some people who wanted to immigrate, but most were middle-aged and older people with better economic conditions. This time is different - we see people of all age groups and political affiliations leaving."
Desloges added: "We have received inquiries from people in their sixties and seventies, as well as some young families, all looking for solutions for their children's future. This is not impulsive, but a serious decision."
Some people are unwilling to wait for the approval process to end and want to leave immediately.
Kurland pointed out that some applicants do not want to stay in the United States any longer, even if the naturalization procedures are not completed, they prefer to enter Canada first as temporary immigrants and then address subsequent issues.
Desloges also observed a similar trend: "I have met some clients who say, 'As soon as I get my Canadian passport, I will leave.' They are already looking for jobs and making preparations, and this determination is something I have never seen before."
"Lost Canadians" see hope as Canada lowers citizenship thresholds.
This wave of applications also coincides with Canada easing its nationality policies. Former Minister of Immigration Marc Miller previously ordered priority processing of nationality restoration issues for so-called "Lost Canadians." These are mostly Canadian descendants born abroad or adopted but unable to automatically obtain citizenship due to legal loopholes.
Miller said: "The current nationality policy is limited to the first generation of bloodline inheritors, resulting in many people with real connections to Canada being excluded, which has unacceptable impacts on families."
Although the relevant legislation (Bill C-71) failed to pass due to parliamentary interruptions, the current "temporary channel" has opened the door for some, but how long it will last remains unknown.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7492624304857989684/
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