Canadian Government Debates Immigration and Citizenship Changes

Canada's Conservative government and the Minister of Immigration have faced considerable criticism of late in the light of changes currently proposed to the Citizenship Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

Proposed changes to the Citizenship Act, to be implemented in the spring of 2009 if approved would change the process by which those born outside Canada to Canadian parents could become eligible for citizenship. Whereas at present such individuals are required to declare or affirm their citizenship by the age of 28, Bill C-37 removes this requirement. At the same time, it removes the possibility of these individuals' children gaining citizenship if born outside Canada.

Meanwhile, the ongoing debate of the proposed amendments to the IRPA continues. The changes, intended to help expedite the processing of eligible applicants, also carries bad news for some whose cases could be closed without processing. A recent vote on the Bill defeated an amendment that would have killed the proposition. Although Canada's Liberal party continues to adamantly oppose the amendments, a decision to bring down the minority government may be needed to shut down the proposition.