Category: refugee

Ford Says Ottawa Must Do More to Help Resettle Refugees in Toronto

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the federal government must do more to assist the province in responding to an increased number of refugees living in Toronto. The premier was at a press conference on July 18 where he was asked how his government is helping refugees and asylum seekers who are sleeping on the streets in…


Ottawa Announces Plan to Fill Labour Shortages With Refugees

With labour shortages nationwide, particularly in the health sector, Canada’s immigration minister has announced a new pathway for skilled refugees to connect with employers. Starting this summer, the government will process each refugee case in the new pathway from start to finish within six months, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said during a keynote speech to…


Cornyn, Padilla Disagree on Need to Change US Refugee Policy in Senate Hearing

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) agree on a considerable portion of the official U.S. policy on refugees and resettlement, including that the procedure is rigorous and includes strong oversight of the applications of those seeking to be approved to stay in the country as refugees. But the senators disagreed on changes…


‘Unprecedented Swing in Housing Demand’: Report Says 995,000 Arrivals to Canada Straining Housing Supply

Nearly 1 million newcomers who arrived in Canada last year are creating an “unprecedented” surge in housing demand that is “not fully reflected” in official records, a report by the CIBC says. Released on Jan. 25, the report, titled “Housing Demand from Newcomers Even Stronger Than Perceived,” said the total number of permanent residents (PRs)…


State Department Launches Welcome Corps to Facilitate Private Sponsorship of Refugees

The Department of State, with the Department of Health and Human Services, on Jan. 19 announced the launch of the Welcome Corps, a private sponsorship program for refugees. The program will allow Americans and groups to sponsor refugees who have arrived in the United States through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). According to the…


UN Urges Countries to Help Rohingya at Sea as Hundreds Land in Indonesia

PIDIE, Indonesia—The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) urged countries on Tuesday to help Rohingya Muslims stranded at sea as at least 20 reportedly died and hundreds more landed in Indonesia after weeks adrift in the Indian Ocean. Nearly 500 Rohingya have reached Indonesia in the past six weeks while “many others did not act despite…


To Strengthen Democracy, Welcome New Chinese Immigrants

Commentary Last month, Xi Jinping got his third-and-forever term as general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He used the opportunity to subdue talk of China’s sputtering economy and accelerate preparations for war. Many of China’s technological and entrepreneurial elites are responding by fleeing the country. They want new passports and lives abroad. With…


The Call of the Entrepreneur | Documentary

This film is only available in the United States because of territorial licensing. A merchant banker. A failing dairy farmer. A refugee from communist China. One risked his savings. One risked his farm. One risked his life. * Click the “Save” button below the video to access it later on “My List“. – Feature Films:…


Big Sonia | Documentary

Ninety-one-year-old Sonia Warshawski runs the tailor shop she’s owned for more than 30 years. But when she’s served an eviction notice, the specter of retirement prompts Sonia to revisit her harrowing past as a refugee and witness to genocide. * Click the “Save” button below the video to access it later on “My List.” –…


Future Unclear for Syrian Refugees as Lebanese Repatriations Begin

ARSAL, Lebanon—Hundreds of Syrian refugees returned home from Lebanon on Wednesday, the first day of repatriations organized by Beirut, their mood more subdued than celebratory amid concerns over a scheme that rights groups say may involve elements of coercion. Lugging suitcases, power generators, fridges, and even chickens and mostly skirting around watching media, some 700…