Refugee claimants rush to Canada to beat deadline

[justinsb]

Last Updated Tue, 28 Dec 2004 09:43:41 EST

FORT ERIE, ONT. - More than 1,000 people who want to seek refugee status in Canada are expected to pass over the U.S.-Canada border near Niagara Falls Tuesday, as a midnight deadline for a new immigration law looms.

The Safe Third Country Agreement says any refugee claimants living in the U.S. have until midnight Tuesday to apply for refugee status in Canada.

Those who don't do so will either:

Have to file their refugee claims in the United States; or

Apply to enter Canada as immigrants instead of refugees, a process that involves more stringent tests.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2004/12/28/refugees-border041228.html