New Canadian citizenship law offends some activsts



Focusing on checking the dual citizenship the Canadian government has proposed sweeping changes to its rules on citizenship. 

Under the plans underway, Canada would be able to revoke citizenship from dual nationals who have been convicted of terrorism, spying or high treason. Also, applicants would now have to pass a knowledge test and have proficiency in English or French.

Immigration Minister Chris Alexander explains the rationale of the new plan saying citizenship should not be simply a "passport of convenience". He said new measures targeted those with dual citizenship found or suspected to have membership in an armed force or organized armed group engaged in armed conflict with Canada.

Citizenship could also be revoked for any dual nationals "convicted of terrorism, high treason, treason or spying offences". Other proposals for new applicants include having to wait six years to apply for Canadian citizenship instead of the current four. Would-be citizens would need to be physically present for four of the six years and declare their "intent to reside".

Currently they must establish legal residence for three of the four years but do not have to be physically present or intend to reside in Canada.

The proposals also include tougher penalties for immigration fraud. However, the government also promises to streamline the process by tackling the current huge backlog of applications.  The government claims to be strengthening the value of Canadian citizenship. "Canadians understand that citizenship should not be simply a passport of convenience. Citizenship is a pledge of mutual responsibility and a shared commitment to values rooted in our history”, spokesman said. .

The largest source of new immigrants to Canada is Asia, led by China, India, the Philippines, and Pakistan and their number keeps inv creasing every year. Chinese immigrants have flocked to Canada's west coast and transformed Vancouver into Canada's very own Asian metropolis.

Canada is also worried about pollution from US factories near the border, and about the possible impact on the environment of the exploitation of oil deposits in Alaska.

The US and Canada are both each other's largest trading partner. The North American Free Trade Agreement, involving Canada, the US and Mexico, has brought a trade boom for Canada. But thorny issues abound. American moves which impact on Canadian exports, in the form of tariffs on Canadian timber and increased subsidies for US farmers, have created particular tension.

Canada pursues a foreign policy that is distinct from that of the US. The country has committed troops to the American-led war on terror, but does not back the US trade embargo on Cuba. Canada did not send troops to join the US-led war in Iraq. After the 11 September 2001 hoax in the US, the challenge of securing the 9,000-km Canada-US border from possible terrorist infiltration prompted both countries to look at ways of sharing information.

Canada often cooperates closely with the US, but does go its own way sometimes. Strong historical ties to the UK remain, while Quebec looks towards France. Canada often plays a major role in UN peacekeeping missions.

Canada has been asserting its sovereignty in the Arctic with growing vigour and has become embroiled in territorial spats with the US and Denmark. At stake is the possible bounty from previously-untapped reserves of oil and gas.

 

About the writer: 

د. عبد راف 

DR. ABDUL RUFF COLACHAL has been an Educationist, Columnist-Commentator  on world affairs Expert on Mideast Affairs Former university Teacher;  Editor:INTERNATIONAL OPINION; FOREIGN POLICY ISSUES; Author of books;website: http://abdulruff.wordpress.com Phone: 91-8129081217---(Account: No 62310377429 - CIF No: 78215311481- State Bank of Hyderabad, India) abdulruff@gmail.com









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