http://www.newsrealblog.com/2010/05/26/ ... e-problem/

How Canada Stemmed its Mexican Refugee Problem
2010 May 26
Christine Williams

The Conservative government of Canada opted for a tough approach last year to halt the surge of Mexicans entering in and then claiming refugee status. It imposed visas on visiting Mexicans. Mexicans were constituting the largest stream of refugees flowing into the country, not surprising given their desperation to escape.

A Pew Research Survey conducted last fall showed that one third of all Mexicans would immigrate to the U.S., even illegally, undeterred by the economic downturn. Although numbers can’t compare to those of the U.S., an influx of Mexicans was also entering Canada.

Like in America, critics were angry over the Conservative Government’s decision to deal with this issue. Ottawa was even accused of sparking a trade war since Mexico belongs to NAFTA. The Mexican government was angry and threatened unspecified retaliation but none followed. Now a year later after Canada nipped the problem in the bud, it has now unveiled a special visa program for Mexican business travelers. First the muscle, now the mending.

“Canada and Mexico are among each other’s largest trading partners,â€