According to statistics released by the Canadian Immigration and Citizenship Department, Americans ranked third in asylum applications from Canada in 2017. The Guardian reported that approximately 2,550 American citizens applied for asylum in Canada in 2017, a sixfold increase compared to 2016. According to Stephen Handfield, an immigration lawyer in Montreal, most of these asylum seekers are children of foreign 'non-residents' in the U.S. who come to Canada to avoid being separated from their families. Under the U.S. Constitution, those born on U.S. soil receive American citizenship. Most Americans who have applied for asylum in Canada have parents from Haiti. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has announced his intention to revoke the law granting citizenship to those born in the U.S. to foreign parents. However, critics argue that the President cannot change the Constitution through an executive order.
Americans Ranked Third in Asylum Applications from Canada
In 2017, Americans became the third largest group applying for asylum in Canada, with a significant increase in applications compared to the previous year. This trend is largely attributed to children of foreign parents in the U.S. seeking to stay with their families. The implications of potential changes to U.S. citizenship laws under Trump are also highlighted.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
In 2017, Americans submitted the third highest number of asylum applications in Canada, with a notable increase from the previous year. This surge is primarily due to children of foreign parents seeking to avoid family separation.
- Approximately 2,550 Americans applied for asylum in Canada in 2017.
- Most applicants are children of foreign 'non-residents' in the U.S., particularly those with Haitian parents.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Asylum applications can reflect broader social and political climates, with individuals seeking refuge from perceived threats to their rights and family unity.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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