By Alex Boutilier, The Star |
Many of the so-called DREAMers, some 700,000 young immigrants facing potential expulsion under U.S. President Donald Trump, would qualify to immigrate to Canada, according to a briefing note obtained by the Star.
The note, prepared for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, suggests that “many” of the DREAMers would be able to find a home in Canada under federal and provincial immigration programs.
The cohort of young immigrants was protected under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which the Trump administration announced they will phase out.
They now remain in legal limbo, as court challenges against their deportation proceed and the U.S. Congress remains unable to craft a legislative solution.
“While some DACA recipients may attempt to enter Canada as asylum seekers, many could qualify under the various immigration program streams,” reads the briefing note, prepared September 2017.
“DACA recipients who have attained advanced education and are employed in in-demand occupations may apply for permanent residency through express entry,” the note continued.
“While Canada’s long-standing immigration priority has been for high-skilled workers, there are limited pathways to permanent residency for lower-skilled workers (such as the provincial nominee program).”