In the increasingly divided atmosphere of American society, more and more Americans with Canadian lineage are attempting to restore or apply for Canadian citizenship and consider "moving" north. The driving force behind this trend is not only the desire for the benefits of the Canadian welfare system but also deep concerns about the deterioration of the U.S. political and social environment.

Feeling Panicked, Reclaiming "Canadian Identity"

Chantal Desloges, a Canadian immigration lawyer, told CTV in an interview: "Some people are extremely uneasy about the current direction of the United States, especially under the expansion of Trump's power and the suppression of rights for specific groups, which makes them feel unsafe."

Immigration lawyer Max Chaudhary pointed out that many clients are shocked by the increasingly stringent policies in the United States: "This is no longer theoretical fear; it is happening in reality."

Canada Opens Its Doors, "Lost Canadians" See Hope

This wave of applications coincides with adjustments in Canada's nationality policy. In March this year, former Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller requested officials to prioritize the nationality restoration issues of so-called "Lost Canadians," namely those who were unable to automatically obtain citizenship due to legislative loopholes, including many Canadian descendants born abroad or adopted.

Miller stated: "The current nationality policy is limited to the first generation of bloodline inheritance, leading to some individuals who have real connections with Canada being excluded. This has a significant impact on their life choices, family planning, work, and education."

Although the relevant legislation (Bill C-71) failed to pass due to the interruption of parliament, temporary policies have already opened doors for some people. However, how long this "temporary channel" will last remains uncertain.

Coverage Across All Strata

Unlike previous times when only retirees or economically capable individuals were willing to immigrate to Canada, this wave of applications shows unprecedented breadth. Richard Kurland, an immigration lawyer from Vancouver, said: "This is not just a common fluctuation after elections but a collective escape across age, political stance, and social strata."

"It's not just liberals or a certain group worried; many families from traditional conservative backgrounds are also concerned about whether their children's future will be safe." Desloges added, "The consultation calls we receive come from elderly people in their sixties and seventies as well as young parents, with one consistent keyword: 'fear.'"

Kurland went further: "I have never seen such a phenomenon. It is a choice driven by fear. Each family's concerns are different, but if you peel back the surface, you'll find that everyone is fleeing 'culture wars.'"

"Not Waiting for the Passport to Move": Escape Is No Longer Just a Slogan

For many people, this is not just a plan but a reality that has already begun.

"Some people don't even intend to wait for the Canadian passport approval before leaving. They are looking for temporary visa paths, and as soon as they get the status, they will leave the United States completely." Desloges said, "We have witnessed this unprecedented determination. Many people are already house hunting and job searching, preparing for the official move."

She also mentioned that the changing attitudes of some members of American society have left many feeling "betrayed": "They found that many people they once thought shared their stance are actually openly supporting some unsettling policies."

News Source:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/not-feeling-safe-growing-numbers-of-americans-seek-canadian-citizenship/

Original Article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7493030012187148863/

Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's views. Please express your attitude by clicking the "like/dislike" buttons below.