It seems that Canada has similar immigration problems as we do in the United States. The illegals may be from other countries but it is the same old story.

http://www.torontosun.com/News/Canada/2 ... 8-sun.html

Thu, February 8, 2007

Babies in the balanceShould they be deported too?
By TOM GODFREY, SUN MEDIA


Hong Zhang is among hundreds of unwedded Chinese moms fighting deportation by claiming their Canadian-born kids will be treated as second-class citizens if they are sent back to China with them.

Deported single mothers face a fine of about $140,000 a child when they return to China with children. Chinese law bans children out of wedlock, said Roy Kellog, of Scarborough's CanVisa Immigration.

He said Canadian-born children, like Zhang's 10-month-old daughter Sherry, will be stigmatized by society, will not get health coverage, be allowed to attend school or obtain Chinese citizenship.

Zhang came to Canada in 1997 and filed an unsuccessful refugee claim. During that time she gave birth to Sherry.

"My baby will have a hard time in China," Zhang said yesterday. "I will be scared for her as she grows up."



Kellogg, an immigration consultant, said he represents five Chinese moms in Zhang's situation. He said most made failed refugee claims on arrival in Canada and then filed appeals, during which time they become pregnant.

"It's either leave the children here in foster care or take them to China where they can't go to school," Kellogg said yesterday. "The government has to show some compassion."

He said the moms will have to pay foreign student fees for their kids to attend school in China.

"These Canadian-born children are being denied the right to education," he said. "They face a life of discrimination and social stigma if sent to China."

Anna Pape, of the Canada Border Services Agency, said her officers are required to deport those who do not have permission to live in Canada.

"We enforce laws in place to ensure the integrity of the system," Pape said yesterday. "We are obliged to enforce the laws."

Victor Wong, of the Chinese Canadian National Council, called on Immigration Minister Diane Findley to review the cases to ensure the children will be safe if deported.

"The children will face some hardship in China," Wong said yesterday. "The children will be subject to social stigma in China."