Officials of Canada immigration department to be authorized access to women’s shelters

Canada, 14th February: Canada immigration officials will soon be given powers to enter women’s shelters for rounding up of suspected undocumented immigrants staying in Canada.

A new ruling is likely to be introduced by Canada immigration department –CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) shortly.

This will enable immigration officials of CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) to pick undocumented women immigrants staying in shelters without having legal immigration status.

When can CBSA officials enter women’s shelter—?

As per the directive, if an immigrant is facing enforced removal but is still found to be staying in Canada, then, the CBSA officials will have jurisdiction to order removal of such individuals at the earliest. The CBSA officials will have such authority under the IRPA (Immigration and Refugee Protection Act).

The policy that came into effect on 4th February states that the CBSA will be exercising extreme discretion while working towards removal of undocumented immigrant women from shelter. Moreover, such officials will be taking extra care for ensuring protection of women from abusive situations.

Alberta Council upset by CBSA policy—

According to provincial co-ordinator of the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, Jan Reimer, the ruling is likely to result in violation of women’s rights and hence, is against the principle of safety ensured by shelters.

It’s a matter of urgent concern for the council to somehow convey this message to women immigrants staying in such shelters that they are liable to be apprehended here, added Reimer.

We must provide reassurance to women that shelters have been and will always continue to be a welcoming and a safe place for women subject to victimization of abuse, Reimer asserted.

Earlier too, Canada immigration officials had been avoiding the issue of entering the shelters of undocumented immigrant women following severe criticism after a raid was made by the officials on a women’s shelter in Toronto in 2010. Several women’s and migrant advocacy groups had been promised by the CBSA officials for staying away from the women’s shelters.

Only female officers to enter shelters---

The Border Services agency has assured that the investigations by the CBSA officials will be undertaken with utmost compassion adding that only female officials with prior written permission will be allowed gain entry into the shelters.