(Below is a transcription of this video)
Hi, I’m Michael Niren, immigration lawyer and founder of visaplace.com. A lot of discussion has surrounded the crisis is Syria, the refugee Syrian crisis. And governments and people are asking what should we do about it. Should we take is tens of thousands of refugees? Should we screen them? What about national security concerns?
Canada’s Concerns
These are all valid concerns. There’s a humanitarian factor. There’s a national security factor. My take is this. I have the same opinion as I would for any immigrant or any intending immigrant. Why is it that the government is in the business of screening anybody from entering our country? I’m most cases, the vast majority of immigrants whether or not they are refugees or skilled workers or whomever, come to our country and contribute and want to leave places where they’re not allowed because of oppressive laws and rules to thrive and survive. So most immigrants are motivated individuals looking to live in a country where there’s a rule of law and to contribute economically and socially.
Terrorism a Global Concern
Now, of course, we all know there are bad apples especially in this age of terrorism. There has to be some form of protection and that obviously is the government’s job to do so. And I’m not here to tell the government how to do that job in terms of protecting Canadians or Americans, whomever is taking in the refugees. But the general principal should be we are an open society and that’s what a free society is all about. So I don’t know in terms of how many refugees should be admitted. I don’t think that the number is really the issue.
It’s really a question of two things national security and the principal of living in an open society that welcomes people who are interested in living here and thriving here. And that is really the basis, the framework upon which we should be thinking about this crisis. Whether it’s a humanitarian situation like what’s going on in Syria or generally, as I mentioned, individuals who are looking to work here and grow their lives here and to bring their families here, etc.
So that’s my take. Like if you like the video. Even if you don’t like the video, let me know what you think. And feel free to go to our website at www.visaplace.com.
Have You Been Affected by the Syrian Refugee Crisis?
If you’ve been in any way affected by the Syrian refugee crisis, and wish to immigrate to Canada, We at VisaPlace can help you get started on your journey to Canada. Use our online form to book an initial consultation, or contact our immigration experts to find out just how our services could help you.
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
