World Immigration News

Canada Immigration System Under Scrutiny as 17,500 Foreign Criminal Convictions Forgiven

Release Date: 2025-07-08
Media: ImmigCanada
Summary: Over the past 11 years, Canada has quietly granted rehabilitation to over 17,500 foreign nationals with prior criminal convictions, allowing them to enter or remain in the country. This process, overseen by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is intended to offer individuals a second chance if at least five years have passed since they completed their sentence. While many see this as a compassionate and progressive policy, concerns have been growing over the lack of transparency—particularly because IRCC has not disclosed the types of crimes that have been forgiven or how decisions are made.

Critics argue that without knowing the nature of the offences, it's difficult to assess whether the system is being applied fairly or if it poses risks to public safety. Although the IRCC claims to consider factors such as the number of offences, time passed, behaviour since the crime, and current circumstances, there is no public data available to verify how these factors are weighed. This lack of clarity is especially concerning as stricter deportation policies in the United States may lead more individuals with criminal records to seek entry into Canada.

Immigration experts warn that serious offenders, once admitted, may remain in Canada for years even if deemed inadmissible later, due to slow deportation processes and legal barriers. While Canada’s immigration system is known for its humanitarian values, the growing number of forgiven criminal cases—without public explanation—raises questions about accountability. Observers are calling for greater openness to ensure a balanced approach that respects both public safety and fairness.
Tags: Canada

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