Immigration “System� Keeps Families Apart
Dear Editor:
I came to Canada five years ago as a foreign skilled worker from the Philippines. I still enjoy living and working in Victoria so I filed my application for permanent residency with Immigration Canada.
I am well aware that processing of permanent residency application may take some time. But having been away from my wife by choice of working in Canada for a long time does not help someone live a normal “married family� life. Does Canada value the word “family�? In the Philippines, we do, and family will always remain as the basic unit of our society. And I believe Canadians do value family but why does Immigration Canada make it hard for spouses and families of foreign workers in Canada to be reunited?
Canada is trying to encourage immigration of more skilled workers from other countries to fill the positions that will continue to help build every town and city throughout the nation. Bringing my wife here does not equate to adding a dependent on the government of Canada, as like myself, my spouse is a skilled professional who is capable of working and contributing to Canadian economy. Like myself, my wife will be paying taxes to enjoy what Canada has to offer to its citizens and residents. And like myself, my wife has been a good citizen of our home country. It frustrates and disheartens us that “a system� controls and dictates on when a couple and families can be reunited. It is the same “system� that has the power to deny or refuse entry to Canada of a wife who only wanted to come to visit and be with her spouse even for just a short period. What is the “proof of ties� that Immigration Canada is asking to guarantee that one is coming back to her home country, when the biggest “tie� is in Canada working and contributing to its society and economy. It doesn’t make sense.
How can countless undesirable aliens be issued a visa and get into Canada easily when there are hundreds of dedicated professionals and hardworking individuals waiting in lines in most Canadian consulate offices around the world? These are the same individuals who will soon become Canadians caring and looking after Canadian families’ children, treating and nursing the sick, supporting the handicapped and caring for the growing population of elderly.
By Miguel Gavar
March 20, 2007
