Immigration news

The United States is undertaking a large project to build a fence along large segments of the US-Mexico border in an attempt to keep illegal immigrants from entry. While it varies in structure, it is generally 12 feet (~3.5 meters) in height, built of steel and concrete, with many sensors and cameras located along its length.

On Wednesday 10 May, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled to allow the Bush administration to deport a British man for breaking the law in Mississippi.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke on Friday, 12 May detailing a committment by the Canadian federal government to make it easier for parents to obtain Canadian citizenship for children adopted from overseas.

"Parents go to great effort and expense to bring these children into their families," said Prime Minister Harper. "They open their hearts and their homes to provide opportunities and want the very best for them."

The United States Senate decided on Thursday to revive an immigration bill that was tabled last week. In theory, it could provide millions of the estimated 13 million illegal immigrants currently in the U.S. a chance at amnesty and work visa's, with the goal of opening a path toward American citizenship. The Senate indicates they will try to pass it before Memorial Day in late September of this year.

The new EU Free Movement of Persons Directive came in to force in the UK earlier this year on April 30 and this will bring changes to the application process of family members of EEA nationals working or studying in the UK.

It will now be possible for civil partners and extended family members of EEA nationals to qualify for the Family Permit if they meet requirements of being in a relationship recognized by the UK.

Different restrictions will apply for family members of EEA nationals who are studying in the UK.

As of now, foreign students studying in Canada can apply for off-campus work permits, Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, announced today.

"Foreign students make a significant contribution to Canada," said the Minister. "They enrich campus and community life with new ideas and new cultures, and they are an important pool of potential future skilled workers that Canadian businesses need to remain competitive."

Still, it will not be that easy to receive a work permit under this scheme as foreign students will have to compete for employment on an equal basis with Canadians.