Canadians Unaffected by Trump Travel Ban

Canadians are unaffected by US President Donald Trump’s immigration ban.  The ban was the subject of Trump’s executive order of January 27, 2017.  It would see citizens from  Libya, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and Syria barred from entering the United States.

According to a 2011 household survey there were 35,000 people in Canada who possess some kind of citizenship in the affected countries.  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s National Security Advisor Daniel Jean has been in touch with his American counterpart Michael Flynn for clarification.

Trudeau’s office released a statement late last night assuring the public.  “NSA Flynn confirmed that holders of Canadian passports, including dual citizens, will not be affected by the ban.  We have been assured that Canadian citizens travelling on Canadian passports will be dealt with in the usual process.”  Canadians have required a passport to cross into the USA since 2013.

WestJet, Air Canada Offer refunds for US bound travellers

WestJet is temporarily waving the fee for cancellation, or destination.  If they choose to change their destination, and will give credit if the new travel itinerary costs less than the original destination. Air Canada is offering the same to its passengers.

Update: January 29, 2017: Hussen Grants temporary resident permits

Immigration Minister Ahmed Husen held a press conference Sunday afternoon with National Security Adviser Daniel Jean.  Hussen reiterated his government’s determination to seek clarification on the Executive order.  “It’s a fast changing situation and there are many moving parts,” he told reporters Sunday.  Canadian officials did not receive advance notice of Trump’s executive order.

Hussen doesn’t see a problem travelling to the United States.  “I’m a Canadian citizen, and I don’t see any reason why I wouldn’t be able to travel to the U.S.”  Hussen came to Canada as a 16-year old refugee from Somalia. He took his citizenship oath 15 years ago.

The federal government is granting temporary resident permits to those stranded at Canadian airports.  There is also a push to withdraw from the Canada-US Safe Third Party Agreement.  The deal has been in place since 2004 forces refugees to claim status in the country to which they first arrive.  Canadian immigration advocates believe that Trump’s order will make the U.S. unsafe for refugees.