Latest news with #familyreunification
CTV News
3 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Is Canada's parents and grandparents sponsorship program working? Here's what families and an expert think
Maria Torres has been waiting 10 years to sponsor her elderly mother to live in Canada. Maria Torres has been waiting 10 years for a chance to sponsor her widowed mother from Colombia as a permanent resident so she can finally live in Canada with her family. Over the next few weeks starting Monday, thousands of people in Canada are set to receive invitations for applications to sponsor their parents and grandparents under the federal government's reunification program. Torres, a pharmacy assistant who lives with her husband and eight-year-old daughter in Ottawa, is anxiously waiting to find out if she is among those who will be randomly chosen to apply. Torres said she filled out an interest-to-sponsor form – the first step before anyone can be invited to apply – for the 2020 intake. The government is only sending emailed invitations to potential sponsors from that pool, with the goal of accepting 10,000 complete applications from 17,860 invitations. 'It's like when you buy the lottery, you just hope that you win it, but if you don't, well, buy it again and wait,' Torres said in a video interview with 'You're heartbroken and you have to live with this sadness and disappointment.' Torres said her 71-year-old mother visits for limited periods through a tourist visa. 'She's here, she's happy, she's with her granddaughter, with her daughter, and then she has to go back to Colombia alone because she doesn't have any more children,' Torres said. 'And for us it's really hard, and not just because she's leaving, but we don't know if we are going to be able to see her again.' Torres was among those who expressed their concerns with the program in response to a callout to readers. Some said it could be too late for reunification if families continue to wait years just to get a chance to be part of the pool. Many said the process has been frustrating and disheartening. Backlog While Torres may be lucky just to be a potential sponsor, some believe the process needs to improve. 'I think people want at a minimum the opportunity to be chosen, and there's been no opportunity for anybody who wasn't able to put their name in the pool in 2020, and so that's hugely unfair,' Tamara Mosher-Kuczer, founder of Lighthouse Immigration Law in Ottawa and a member of the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association, said in a video interview with Harpreet Singh, a digital marketing consultant from Langley, B.C., who came to Canada from the U.K. in 2018, can relate to these frustrations as he hopes to sponsor his 59-year-old mother. Singh, who is now a Canadian citizen, hopes to launch a petition, with the support of an MP, that would call on the federal government to open the interest-to-sponsor form to those outside the 2020 pool. 'The idea behind it is good,' Singh said about the program in a video interview with 'It's just that it needs to be overhauled, so everybody gets a fair and equal chance.' While critics say the process is taking an emotional toll on families, the federal government says it is dealing with the backlog from the 2020 submissions. 'Given the number of submissions remaining in the 2020 pool, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) will continue to draw from that pool, giving those potential sponsors, who have been waiting for years, the opportunity to apply,' spokesperson Mary Rose Sabater wrote in an email to IRCC couldn't immediately say how many submissions remain from that year. Asked when the government would open submissions to people outside of the 2020 pool, Sabater said the federal government 'cannot comment on policy decisions on future intakes,' noting that it would communicate any news publicly. The federal government recommends that, for now, people consider the super visa program , which allows parents or grandparents to visit Canada for five years at a time, with the option to extend their visit for up to two years without leaving the country. When asked about concerns that the process is unfair, Remi Lariviere, another IRCC spokesperson, wrote in a separate email to that 'the government is committed to reuniting as many families as possible.' While the demand 'significantly exceeds' admissions targets, Lariviere said, the government's top priorities include both attracting top talent and ensuring sustainable levels of immigration. Who qualifies as a sponsor? Sponsors must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered in the country as an Indian, according to the federal government. They must be at least 18 years old and living in Canada at the time they apply to sponsor their biological or adopted parents or grandparents. Additionally, sponsors must provide proof they have enough income to support the individuals they are sponsoring, as well as themselves and their own families, and ensure the people they're sponsoring won't need social assistance. 'Part of our family is missing' Rohan Chandna, who arrived in Saskatoon from India in 2018 as a permanent resident, said he and his wife have 'well-established jobs' and can easily support his parents in Canada. But he said he didn't apply in the 2020 pool because he didn't meet the income requirement then. At the time, he was new to the country. Instead, he said his parents, both in their 70s, will come to Canada this September on a super visa. 'It's unfortunate because we are in a very good position to manage to support them here, whether it's medically, house-wise, financially, whatever they need, ' Chandna, an IT project manager who has two daughters aged 10 and four, said in a video interview with 'Since we have come here, we are feeling that part of our family is missing.' Chandna wept as he described how difficult it was not to have his parents around while his eldest daughter spent about three years undergoing treatment for leukemia. 'We had no support at the time, like it was just me and my wife juggling work,' he said. 'Desperately waiting' Soodeh Farokhi, the CEO of an AI startup, said she planned to apply to sponsor her parents, both from Iran, after 2020 but wasn't aware that the government wouldn't accept interest-to-sponsor submissions outside of that pool. She has been 'desperately waiting' ever since. 'I know that even if we are in the pool, it might take many years to bring our parents, but still the hope and that fairness means a lot to me,' Farokhi, who became a Canadian citizen in 2022, said in a video interview with Farokhi's parents spent some time in Canada years ago on visitor visas to help care for her two children when they were born. Now with all the instability in Iran, Farokhi said it's unlikely she'll be able to visit her parents in the country. 'The emotional toll on my parents not seeing their grandchildren is very high,' said Farokhi. 'My mom is actually suffering from depression being far from her grandchildren.' Farokhi said she is not asking for special treatment and just wants the chance for more families to be considered as part of the pool. 'I'm a working mom and entrepreneur,' she said. 'I have a very busy life both professionally and personally and having my parents beside me means a lot.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Father of 3 Marines who was forcibly detained by immigration agents speaks out
An undocumented father of three Marines who was forcibly detained by federal immigration agents while at his landscaping job in California last month spoke out for the first time on Friday in emotional, tearful remarks. Customs and Border Patrol agents arrested Narciso Barranco in Santa Ana on June 21, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Video of him being forcibly detained showed masked agents holding him down on the street and repeatedly punching him after he ran from agents. He is currently out on bond after being released from federal custody on July 15 and has an immigration status hearing in August, according to Orange City Council officials. During a press conference in Santa Ana surrounded by local officials and leaders, Barranco thanked the community and his family for their support. "I love you all and I am very proud of you," he said to his children in Spanish. To his wife, Marta, he said, "Thank you for your strength, love, and for never stopping believing in me." MORE: Marine veteran addresses Congress after father forcibly detained by immigration agents Barranco also spoke to the families of other detainees he met while in custody. "I want to tell their families they have faith, they miss you all, and even in that place, they have hope," he said. Barranco asked of federal authorities, "Please, don't take away the opportunities for them to reunite with their families." Lisa Ramirez, a founding partner of US Immigration Law Group and Barranco's legal representative, said his story is not an isolated case. "What I think we can all learn from this one story is that there are hundreds and soon to be millions of people like Mr. Barranco who have been long-standing contributors to our country, who will also be arbitrarily arrested and detained," she said. The Department of Homeland Security said following the arrest that Narciso Barranco is in the country illegally and that he tried to evade law enforcement, "swung a weed whacker directly at an agent's face" and resisted commands. "The agents took appropriate action and followed their training to use the minimum amount of force necessary to resolve the situation in a manner that prioritizes the safety of the public and our officers," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement at the time. MORE: Millions of undocumented immigrants will no longer be eligible for bond hearings, according to ICE memo One of Barranco's sons, Marine veteran Alejandro Barranco, told Congress members this week that his father got scared after the masked agents approached him while he was at work. "As he worked, he noticed masked men approaching him, and was quickly surrounded by men who did not identify themselves and never presented any type of warrant," he told Democratic members of the House Committee on Homeland Security during an oversight forum examining the Trump administration's detention and deportation practices on Tuesday. "Terrified, he ran. They chased him through the parking lot and into a crowded street. They pointed guns at him, pepper-sprayed him. They tackled him to the ground and kicked him." He said his father, who has two other sons who are currently serving as Marines, has no criminal record and "should have never been attacked by these agents." "He supported his family and paid taxes," the veteran said. "He is a human being, but he was not treated with the basic dignity he deserved."
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fact Check: Melania Trump's parents came to U.S. through process Donald Trump tried to curb
Claim: First lady Melania Trump's parents came to the United States through a family-based sponsorship, also referred to derogatorily as 'chain migration.' Rating: Since U.S. President Donald Trump's first administration, many have speculated about first lady Melania Trump's parents' immigration statuses and how they came to the United States. A number of online posts claimed they arrived through a process that Trump himself has derided and tried to curb. A July 2025 YouTube video claimed the following: Donald Trump built a movement on immigration cruelty — cages, deportations, and raids. But behind the scenes, he used the same "chain migration" he demonized to import his entire in-law family while brown kids were ripped from their parents and locked in cages. During his first administration, Trump did indeed try to curb the practice of so-called "chain migration," calling it a threat to national security. And based on Melania Trump's parents' immigration papers and confirmation from their lawyer, it is true that her parents entered the U.S. through the same process Trump tried to end. As we have reported before, despite the strict guidelines under which relatives are eligible for the process, as well as annual caps on the number of immigrants allowed to enter the country in this manner, Trump has frequently criticized such family reunification visas, calling them "chain migration." These visas allow U.S. citizens to sponsor their parents financially, bring them to the United States, and eventually apply for their family members' permanent residency. We previously reported in February 2018 that the first lady's parents' immigration status was not a matter of public record, and thus the manner in which they came into the country was unknown. However, federal immigration records revealed in 2024 that her mother, Amalija Knavs, did come to the country through her daughter's sponsorship. According to Newsweek, in 2024 the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation obtained Knavs' immigration records through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request while suing former U.S. President Joe Biden's administration to access visa records of Britain's Prince Harry. The Washington Post also requested the records from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after Knavs died in January 2024. We reached out to The Heritage Foundation to access the records and will update the story if we get more information. The Washington Post confirmed that Knavs was sponsored by an adult child for a green card, and her financial sponsor was listed as "Melania Trump." Michael Wildes, the immigration lawyer for both of the first lady's parents, Viktor and Amalija Knavs, had also confirmed their method of immigration to The New York Times in 2018. He said Melania Trump had sponsored her parents for their green cards. When asked if the Knavses obtained citizenship through "chain migration," Wildes said, "I suppose." Even as Trump derogatorily called such a process "chain migration," Wildes said the term was a "dirtier" way of characterizing such sponsorship that was "a bedrock of our immigration process when it comes to family reunification." Wildes also confirmed that the couple met the five-year requirement for residency before applying for citizenship. During his first administration (2017-2021), Trump endorsed the RAISE Act that would have limited priority sponsorship to spouses and minor children and required U.S. citizens to obtain renewable and temporary visas for their parents instead of fast-tracking residencies. Snopes has previously investigated claims that Melania Trump came to the U.S. "improperly" on an EB-1 "Einstein" visa and self-sponsored herself for a green card as a result. She became a permanent resident in 2001. Melania did indeed receive such a visa and was required to demonstrate "extraordinary abilities" as a model. Successful models have often qualified for such a visa. Snopes archives contributed to this report. Correal, Annie, and Emily Cochrane. "Melania Trump's Parents Become U.S. Citizens, Using 'Chain Migration' Trump Hates." The New York Times, 9 Aug. 2018. Accessed 22 July 2025. Garcia, Arturo. "FACT CHECK: Did Melania Trump's Parents Arrive in the U.S. Through 'Chain Migration'?" Snopes, 8 Feb. 2018, Accessed 22 July 2025. "Melania Trump's Mom's Papers Released in Prince Harry Case." Newsweek, 23 Oct. 2024, Accessed 22 July 2025. Rascouët-Paz, Anna. "Inspecting Claim Melania Trump Improperly Came to US on EB-1 'Einstein' Visa." Snopes, 2 Jul. 2025, Accessed 22 July 2025. Sacchetti, Maria. "Records Confirm Trump's Mother-in-Law Came to U.S. through Process He Derided." The Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2024, Accessed 22 July 2025.
CBC
24-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Plan to accept newcomer parents and grandparents will strain health services, Alberta warns
Alberta's immigration minister says he's concerned about the federal government's plan this year to accept thousands of parents and grandparents of immigrants already in Canada. Joseph Schow responded Tuesday to a federal notice that Ottawa plans to take in 10,000 applications from those who have previously expressed interest in sponsoring family members. Schow took issue with the 10,000 figure. In a statement, Schow said provincial health-care systems, housing and social services don't have the capacity and could be overwhelmed. Federal Immigration Minister Lena Diab's office said the federal government's actual countrywide target for approvals this year for the parent and grandparent immigration stream is higher at 24,500. Diab's office said Schow was responding to a notice that the ministry is preparing to take in 10,000 applications for consideration from already settled immigrants who expressed interest in 2020 in sponsoring their parents or grandparents. "Family reunification is an important part of Canada's immigration system, helping Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their loved ones to live and work alongside them in Canada," a spokesperson for Diab said in an email, adding that the federal government is committed to reuniting as many families as possible. "Opening intake for 10,000 applications will help us meet this commitment and will not increase the target." Schow's office said it was under the impression the 10,000 was the 2025 target, and his concern remains the same. 'Disproportionate strain' Schow said in the Tuesday statement that he understands "the importance of family reunification, [but] inviting large numbers of parents and grandparents into the country without proper co-ordination with provinces places disproportionate strain on already busy health systems." "This creates serious concerns for both Albertans and the newcomers themselves, who may not receive timely care if our system is overwhelmed." The minister didn't directly answer questions about whether he wants to see the parent and grandparent target reduced or eliminated. In an email, he said the "root issue" is the federal government setting immigration targets without provincial input. "The more direct concern with this program is its impact on health care," Schow added. "Seniors are more likely to require medical and long-term care, and bringing in thousands more without additional supports increases pressure on a system already managing high demand." Diab's office said since parents and grandparents accepted under the program require a sponsor to financially support them, it doesn't put any excessive burden on provincial services. "Family reunification not only leads to social and cultural benefits but also economic benefits," said the spokesperson. "Those coming through this program are often supporting the household in Canada, including by providing childcare. This helps parents enter the workforce and strengthen Canada's economy." Schow said Alberta's government wants overall immigration reduced to below 500,000 per year, and that provinces need to "have a stronger role in selecting newcomers to meet local needs." Under targets set last fall, Ottawa is aiming to approve just over one million immigration applications this year, including temporary residents on work visas, international students, refugees and new permanent residents like parents and grandparents of newcomers. On Wednesday, premiers from across Canada called on the federal government to engage more with provincial governments on immigration targets and increase the share of economic immigrants each province is allocated under the provincial and territorial nominee program. The joint federally and provincially run program works to fast track the permanent residency process for workers in sought after sectors. For Alberta, that includes health care, technology and law enforcement. "Provinces and territories are best positioned to understand their local labour market needs and call on the federal government to support their respective priorities," reads a joint statement from premiers following their three-day meeting in Ontario. 'Punching down on immigrants' Schow's comments also come as a panel chaired by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is touring the province to hear from citizens on a number of topics, including whether Alberta should create its own immigration permitting system and block non-approved newcomers from accessing services like health care. At the panel's most recent town hall in Edmonton, a member of the public accused Smith of "punching down on immigrants." Smith said the province is trying to find solutions to housing affordability, hospital capacity, classroom sizes and "increasing pressure on our social programs." "There has to be a reasonable amount of newcomers that are able to come here, fit into the economy, be able to be self-supporting," Smith told the audience. "That is, I think, a bit high at the moment."
CTV News
23-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Alberta concerned over Ottawa plan to accept newcomer parents, grandparents this year
The Alberta legislature can be seen in Edmonton, Alberta. (CTV News Edmonton) Alberta's immigration minister says he's concerned about the federal government's plan this year to accept thousands of parents and grandparents of immigrants who are already in Canada. Joseph Schow says he understands the importance of reuniting families, but that provincial health-care systems don't have the capacity and could be overwhelmed. This year Ottawa plans to approve just over 24,000 parents and grandparents of newcomers this year before reducing its target for the next two years. Schow says provinces should have more say on immigration targets and that overall immigration should be reduced to no more than half a million people per year. He says Alberta and other provinces should also be more involved in determining which immigrants they accept. Federal Immigration Minister Lena Diab's office says the government is committed to reuniting as many families as possible and that this immigration stream has social, cultural and economic benefits. Schow's comments come as a provincial panel currently touring Alberta has heard from citizens on a number of topics, including whether some newcomers should be entitled to social services like health care. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2025. Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press
