Canada's recently enacted Bill C-12 has triggered a massive surge in citizenship applications from the United States, according to a report by CTV News.
The new law removes previous restrictions on citizenship by descent, allowing individuals to claim a Canadian passport if they can prove a direct connection to a Canadian grandparent or a more distant ancestor.
Lawyers on both sides of the border report being overwhelmed by the volume of inquiries. Amandeep Hayer, an immigration lawyer in Vancouver, said his firm has been 'flooded' with clients since the law changed, forcing him to hire additional legal staff.
According to CTV News, Hayer noted that while motivations vary, common drivers include cheaper tuition in Canada and political instability in the U.S. He specifically highlighted concerns among LGBTQ+ individuals, stating, 'I’m hearing a lot from gay and lesbian people who don’t feel safe in America... it’s the biggest driving factor, that level of cruelty coming out of the administration.'
A search for ancestral roots
The law change has prompted many Americans to begin extensive genealogical research. One applicant, Chicago-based immigration paralegal Eve Greenfield, is tracing her lineage back to her Winnipeg-born grandmother, Gertrude Greenfield.
Greenfield told CTV News she is motivated by her dislike of current U.S. political policies and a preference for Canadian social values. 'I like how people are kind to each other, and less angry,' she said, adding that she is happy to pay taxes to a society that 'should take care of its people.'
In Bellingham, Washington, immigration lawyer Nicholas Berning reported a dramatic shift in his practice, moving from a handful of citizenship cases per year to conducting three consultations every day.
Berning told CTV News that his American clients are increasingly motivated by fear regarding the U.S. political climate and upcoming legal battles, such as a Supreme Court case involving gender markers on passports. 'These people are terrified their government is making them feel unsafe... they’re extremely motivated to move as quickly as possible,' Berning said.
Some legal experts suggest this influx could eventually lead to social friction. Berning noted his hope is that the new arrivals will be welcomed, rather than bringing the political tensions of the U.S. into Canada.
