The Canadian government plans to welcome refugees from war-torn Gaza despite the country already dealing with record-high immigration and struggling from a surge in food bank dependency among its citizens.
In a press conference on Dec. 21 in Ottawa, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller announced that beginning Jan. 9, the government will issue three-year visas to Palestinians in Gaza with extended family in Canada. (Related: Breitbart editor Joel Pollak: Israel ‘should wipe out Gaza’ and the U.S. should take the refugees.)
The new measures seek to provide a pathway for Gazans who are extended relatives of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to escape the conflict zone and get temporary residence status in Canada.
Miller explained that, as part of the new regulations designed to help Palestinians to obtain visas to Canada, the definition of the family will be expanded to spouses, common-law partners, children of any age, grandchildren, siblings, parents and grandparents. He added that immediate family members of these direct and extended family members would also be given consideration for temporary residence visas.
Miller also announced the potential expansion of the program to include individuals who, while not permanent residents and Canadian citizens, are closely associated with Canadian families.
"This expands the definition and allows us a greater set of people that may not be permanent residents or Canadians, but for all intents and purposes, represent the family," said Miller. "Many are concerned about the safety of loved ones currently residing in Gaza. It is unlivable."
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Under the new measures, hundreds of Gazans expected to qualify for temporary residence
Miller expects many Palestinians to qualify for temporary residence in Canada under these new measures. He believes "hundreds" of Gazans could come to Canada but declined to provide a proper estimate.
He added that "security is paramount" for Canada and noted that the government has a "two-stage approach" to vetting temporary residence visa applicants.
The first stage involves Gazans being screened at the Rafah Border Crossing between Gaza and Egypt and a biometric evaluation in Cairo.
He stressed that Canada cannot guarantee safe passage, as the decision on who, when and how many individuals can cross Rafah is beyond the government's control, but still assured Canadians and Palestinians of the government's flexibility in addressing difficult circumstances.
The temporary immigration measures also extend support to Israelis and Palestinians alike who have already successfully sought refuge in Canada. For these people, the Canadian government is waiving fees for work and study permits. This waiver applies to Israelis and Palestinians from Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Israel proper who feel unsafe returning to their homes and wish to stay in Canada for an extended period.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau noted that the situation in Gaza is "extremely difficult" and that the government is already providing a lot of support to get citizens and their extended families out of the region.
Trudeau said "well over 600" Gazans have already come to Canada, "but there is more to do." He added: "Ultimately, what we need to do is ensure the viability of a Palestinian state alongside an Israeli state living in peace, living in security into the future."
Watch Paul Dragu of the New American magazine discussing Democrats wanting to see Gaza refugees in America.
This video is from The New American channel on Brighteon.com.
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