Photo credit; Toronto Star
Canada’s Immigration Department has said asylum claims “cannot, and will not” prevent criminals being punished, after British Columbia’s premier criticized refugee claims by extortion suspects as “ludicrous.”
The Canadian Press reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says those who pose a risk to public safety or who commit crimes remain subject to enforcement action at all times.
Premier David Eby had criticized the system on Tuesday, saying that it was “ludicrous” that someone accused in an extortion-related shooting could claim refugee status to avoid being returned to India.
He urged Parliament to quickly pass legislation that would close loopholes that he said prevented them from being ejected from the country while they await a refugee hearing.
The Canada Border Services Agency said in December that 15 foreigners facing extortion charges had applied for refugee status in Canada.
A statement from the department on Wednesday says if someone is initially found eligible to make an asylum claim, but it is later discovered they may have committed a crime, their claim is put on hold while the case goes through the courts.
It says Canada has international obligations around asylum seekers, but those found inadmissible on serious grounds are ordered removed.
