A gradual increase in security measures for Canadian immigration
The Harper government has stepped up security measures for immigration from Canada. This is to achieve two results. You will help protect Canadians by ensuring the safety of citizens. It will also improve the integrity of the various types of immigration programs Canada offers to skilled workers moving from abroad. Terrorist activities are the main cause of the tightening of security measures. One of the biggest triggers for emergency reforms is the discovery of a conspiracy to derail a passenger train.
The security measures have been put in place along with a strong message for immigrants to embrace Canadian life values or avoid coming to the country altogether. One of the greatest security measures implemented is the issuance of biometric visas that include the fingerprints and photos of immigrants in Canada. The electronic travel authorization mechanism will further enhance the efficiency of security measures. US watch lists will be further accessed to ensure suspects are tapped at the correct points before entering 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 get to Canada and those who would not need a Canadian visa thanks to the understanding that their country of origin is shared with Canada.
Canada’s immigration security measures have been implemented through a new bill called the Canada Immigration System Protection Act. Another incentive behind the reforms to the Balanced Refugee Reform Act is the saving of tax dollars, which are often spent on bogus refugees. They do not need the protection offered by Canada’s asylum system. In addition to the boost to screening procedures, there is an increased focus on Canadian security agencies working in conjunction 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 in which the Canada Border Services Agency conducts screening of visa applicants. Two other organizations, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, are also involved in the case of immigrants from high-risk countries. Biometric data will be introduced to prevent 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 central issue that will be counteracted through reforms in security measures is the prevention of human trafficking across borders. These measures are the responsibility of Canada’s Department of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. At the same time, there are positive developments, such as a pilot program attracting immigrants to work at a tech start-up with demonstrable funding. This allows such immigrants to apply for permanent residence in the country, a move that shows the government’s inclination to enhance the innovative spirit in the country. The reforms, both in terms of technological and regulatory advances, also aim to reduce the waiting time for processing applications.