Title: Issues in Canadian Immigration Allow Criminals to Enter

Canada's immigration system faces significant challenges, particularly in screening out individuals with serious criminal backgrounds. One notable case involves Gullfam Hussain, a Pakistani national who has been fighting deportation for two years. Hussain, who failed to disclose a 2017 conviction in the U.K. for sexual offenses involving a minor, was granted a visitor visa in 2023. After his release from prison, he reunited with his niece, whom he later impregnated. A 2024 Federal Court ruling noted that Hussain and his family were living in Canada, despite his criminal history.

Hussain's situation highlights broader issues within Canada's immigration laws. Critics argue that the system is too lenient, allowing registered sex offenders to enter the country with minimal scrutiny. Hussain's case is not isolated; it reflects a pattern of individuals exploiting loopholes in the immigration process.

Another example is Binder Singh, who arrived in Canada in 2014 seeking asylum from alleged violence in India. Singh, previously known as Ravinder Singh, had a criminal record in the U.S. for sexual contact with a minor. Despite being deemed inadmissible due to his serious criminality, he has remained in Canada for nearly a decade. His asylum claim was denied after officials uncovered his past, but it remains unclear if he has been deported.

Nawab Khan, an Afghan and Pakistani citizen, also illustrates the challenges in deporting criminals. After being convicted of robbery in the U.K. and later attempting to seek asylum in Canada under a false identity, Khan gained permanent residency through sponsorship from a Canadian woman. He was reported as inadmissible in 2021, but as of now, he is still in Canada, appealing his removal order.

Balkar Singh, who came to Canada on a temporary resident visa in 2017, faced similar issues. He did not disclose his criminal convictions from Australia, which included reckless conduct that endangered a passenger. Canadian authorities only discovered his past in 2023, leading to a ruling of inadmissibility due to misrepresentation. However, it is uncertain whether he has been removed from the country.

These cases underscore a significant flaw in Canada's immigration system, which relies on individuals to self-report their criminal histories. Critics argue that this approach is insufficient, especially when it allows serious offenders to enter the country. The backlog in the Federal Court system, which has quadrupled since 2019, further complicates the situation, delaying justice for both Canadians and legitimate immigration applicants.

During a recent parliamentary session, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab addressed concerns about Hussain's case, stating that "Canadians' trust in their immigration system is paramount" and that efforts are ongoing to improve security screening processes. However, many believe that more decisive action is needed to close existing loopholes and enhance the integrity of Canada's immigration system.