Conservative Government cracks down on Citizenship Fraud

Friday December 9, 2011

Federal Politics

Citizenship Fraud

The Tories have had enough

Released by Robert Pearsall, PA to MP Mark Strahl

hilliwack-Fraser Canyon MP, Mark Strahl, has commended the efforts of Citizenship and Immigration Minister, Jason Kenney, to investigate 6,500 people in more than 100 countries for fraudulently attempting to gain Canadian citizenship.

"While generous and welcoming of immigrants, Canadians have little tolerance for those who cheat and lie in order to gain Canadian citizenship." Strahl added, "It is simply not fair to those who play by the rules."

Minister Jason Kenney has announced that Citizenship and Immigration Canada has begun the process of revoking the citizenship of 2,100 individuals obtained through fraudulent means.

There are an additional 4,400 people with permanent resident status who have been flagged for additional scrutiny should they attempt to enter Canada or obtain citizenship. Many of these individuals pay unscrupulous immigration consultants to establish Canadian residence while they live abroad. A family of five may pay upwards of $25,000 to create the illusion of Canadian residency.

Individuals with information on citizenship fraud are urged to report it. In cases involving false representation such as pretending to be in Canada to meet residency requirements, please call 1-888-242-2100.

In cases involving suspicious cross-border activity, marriages of convenience or the whereabouts of any person wanted on an immigration warrant, please call 1-888-502-9060.

"Our government is committed to protecting our borders, standing up for Canadian sovereignty and securing the safety of all law abiding Canadians. Those who prey on our generous nature will be brought to justice," said Strahl.

The Government of Canada is taking action to crack down on the actions of crooked consultants during the immigration process. Bill C-35, originally introduced as the Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act, came into force on June 30, 2011. The Act imposes penalties on unauthorized representatives who provide, or offer to provide, advice or representation for a fee at any stage of an immigration application or proceeding.