2016 Canadian Refugee Immigration Numbers the Highest Since The Resettlement Of Indochinese Refugees
Canada has been at the forefront of refugee resettlement for decades. Throughout Canadian history, Canada has resettled thousands of refugees who have fled war, violence, persecution, and hunger. These refugees left their homes because their lives, and the lives of their children, were in danger. Sadly, war, violence, and poverty still plague the world, forcing many to leave their homes in search of a safety. Canada’s response to refugees throughout history has shown that Canada is capable and welcoming of refugee resettlement, no matter the numbers. For information on immigration and refugee resettlement, contact a Canadian refugee lawyer.
Historic Significance
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently revealed that, in 2016, Canada resettled its highest number of refugees since 1980. Last year saw the resettlement of 46,700 refugees, the majority (33,266 persons) coming from Syria. In 1980, Canada resettled 40,271 Indochinese refugees, from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, specifically. Both of these large resettlements were in response to global refugee crises, where thousands (if not millions) were displaced by conflict, violence, and war.
Stepping Up to Help
Last year, the United States was the leader of refugee resettlement, accepting 84,995 refugees into their borders. However, this year, refugees will have a challenging time resettling in the U.S. President Donald Trump is attempting to cap the number of refugees accepted and ban migrants from certain Muslim-majority countries. Although his latest attempt is being challenged by U.S. courts, many refugees no longer feel welcome in the U.S. As a result, many are looking to Canada as a better option for a new home country.
Looking Ahead
The UNHCR plans to continue working with Canada to resettle more refugees. According to the UNHCR, there are currently 21 million people around the world who have been forcibly displaced from their home countries. Also, there are 1,190,000 refugees who need resettlement this year. By working with countries (such as Canada) who are capable and willing to resettle refugees, the UNHCR can help those who need safe homes and ultimately save more lives.
Over the years, Canada’s government and people have welcomed many refugees and helped them with their resettlement. It may take time for people to resettle and become accustomed to their new lives in Canada. With the right support and resources, though, it is possible for refugees to successfully integrate into Canadian society. A Canadian immigration lawyer can help those who are looking to settle in Canada and who need assistance with the immigration application process.
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Arghavan Gerami
Arghavan Gerami is the Founder and Senior Counsel at Gerami Law Professional Corporation ('PC'), a full-service immigration law firm in Ottawa, Ontario. Since 2011, Ms. Gerami has focused her practice on immigration and refugee litigation. Prior to that, Ms. Gerami worked at the Ministry of Attorney General and the Department of Justice and had the privilege of serving the Honourable Mr. Justice M. Evans at the Federal Court of Appeal on immigration and administrative law appeals. Ms. Gerami contributes to the Immigration Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association, the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Ms. Gerami has also published numerous journal articles and presented at various immigration and refugee law conferences and events across Canada.