Tag Archives: Immigration

Security measures for Canada immigration have been ramped up by the Harper government. This is to achieve two results. It will help protect the Canadians, ensuring safety and security, for the citizens. It will also enhance the integrity of the various types of immigration programs that Canada offers to skilled workers moving in from abroad. Terrorist activities are the primary cause for the tightening of security measures. One of the biggest triggers, for the emergency reforms, is the discovery of a conspiracy to derail a passenger train.

The security measures have been in place along with a strong message for immigrants to either adopt Canadian values ​​of life or avoid coming to the country altogether. One of the biggest security measures put in place is the issuing of biometric visas that include the fingerprints and photos of immigrants to Canada. The electronic travel authorization mechanism will further accentuate the efficiency of security measures. Watch lists of US will be accessed even more to make sure that suspects are intervened at the right points before entry into the country. The process will be adopted in two phases. This is because there are two types of immigrants, those who need a visa to arrive at Canada and those who wouldn't need a Canadian visa thanks to the understanding their home country shares with Canada.

The security measures for Canada immigration have been implemented through a new bill called Protecting Canada's Immigration System Act. Another incentive behind reforms to the Balanced Refugee Reform Act is the saving of tax dollars, which are usually spent on bogus refugees. These do not need protection that Canada's asylum system offers. Apart from the boost to screening procedures, there is greater focus on Canadian security agencies working in tandem with other security agencies around the world, to identify potential threats to the country's peace.

These security measures will further strengthen the existing mechanism where the review of visa applicants is done by Canada Border Services Agency. Two other organizations, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, also get involved in case of immigrants who come from high-risk countries. Biometric data will be introduced to avoid illegal immigration through forged or even stolen documents. Interestingly, some measures have also been introduced to show the immigration system's zero tolerance towards queue jumping.

Another focal issue that will be countered through the reforms in security measures is the prevention of human smuggling across the borders. These measures come under the purview of the Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism ministry of Canada. At the same time, there are positive developments as well such as a pilot program which attracts immigrants working towards a tech start-up with demonstrable funding. This allows such immigrants to file for permanent residence in the country, a move that shows the government inclination to enhance the innovative spirit in the country. The reforms, both in terms of technological advances as well as in terms of regulations, also aim to bring down the waiting time for applications to be processed.

Source by Justin Mcwan