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Dr. Ruby Dhalla

 

 

Dhalla Calls for Action on Issue of Fraud Marriage


Brampton, Ontario, Nov. 18, 2010
Candice Debi

Brampton-Since being elected in 2004 Member of Parliament for Brampton-Springdale, Dr. Ruby Dhalla, has continued to raise the issue of fraud marriages in Parliament on behalf of her constituents and Canadians who have victimized.

Most recently, Dhalla submitted Order Paper questions to the Department of Citizenship and Immigration asking for information to determine the actions that are being taken to address this growing crisis in Canada's immigration system.

“Unfortunately, the issue of fraud marriage is growing. There are thousands of innocent Canadians who are being used by their spouse for the sole purpose of gaining entry into Canada. Most often these cases involve young women who have been manipulated to believe they are entering into a happy marriage only to discover their marriage is one of convenience as their spouse has used them as a ploy to enter Canada. Measures and protocols must be immediately implemented to stop innocent Canadians from being used in these marriages of convenience. In addition victims that file complaints or request investigations are never informed or contacted as to the status,” said Dhalla.

To better assess the current state of the crisis and the actions undertaken Dr. Dhalla submitted questions through the Order Paper process in Parliament earlier this year to the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. The questions were the following:

a) How many permanent residency applications have been refused based on
fraudulent marriages?
b) How much has Citizenship and Immigration spent investigating fraudulent marriages?
c) How many government employees are assigned to the investigation of fraudulent marriages?
d) How many reports or “tips” has Citizenship and Immigration received regarding potentially fraudulent marriages?

Unfortunately the only response the department provided were general answers, with no statistical or factual information. The lack of response provided makes it difficult to determine the extent of action being taken to solve this problem. Answers to these questions are necessary as they will provide Canadians with a clear picture of the current magnitude of this issue and also help in the development of further protocols and measures to stop fraud marriages.

“Clearly, there is a flaw in our immigration system that is subjecting it to abuse and allowing innocent Canadians to be used for gaining immigration to Canada. The issue of fraud marriages crosses party lines and affects thousands of Canadian families every year. Immediate action is needed to stop fraud marriages," said Dr. Dhalla.

 

 


Dhalla, a chiropractor before entering politics in 2004

 

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