These people being turned down at our border and waiting for years to enter Canada are no different from ourselves. While it is true that these people may not have the same economic prosperity as us, they are still considered human beings. And by law, we are to treat everyone the same.
"By 2011, 100 per cent of Canada's labour force growth will come from immigration. Why does the immigration minister believe that shutting the door on immigration is the answer?" Maurizio Bevilacqua, the Liberal immigration critic, has asked.
Immigration is the key to Canada's future economy. These people coming into Canada are looking for new opportunities and are willing to do work. Most of them possess professional skills in their trades and can help major businesses become bigger and more prosperous. And in this phase of economic recovery, this is absolutely essential.
Yet these immigrants are not given fair treatment. Many immigrants with professional degrees will have their status rejected and forced to work in lower paying jobs.
"Instead of allowing families into Canada, the Conservative government seems intent only to bring in massive numbers of temporary foreign workers who are vulnerable to mistreatment and abuse." according to NDP MP Olivia Chow.
Immigrants should be able to receive the same treatment that we Canadian citizens receive every day.
Right now, almost a million people are waiting to get into Canada, and this number is steadily growing. Some of these people desperately need to get away from their country, due to reasons such as persecution and war, yet Canada, the country viewed as being nice, turns them away. This is a cruel way of dealing death to people in need.
Whether or not you believe Canada needs to solve its immigration issues is up to you. But what you choose can decide the future of Canada as a wealthy nation and a reputable one.
SIMRAN PARHAR, Windsor