By John Q. Hosedrinker 
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More Americans Applying for Refugee Status in Canada
Well, it seems like the topic of more Americans seeking refuge in Canada is gaining some traction, doesn’t it? It’s definitely a complex issue, and it’s worth breaking down the different aspects. The initial thought that pops into mind is, are Americans actually being granted refugee status in Canada? From the comments, it seems the answer is complicated. To become a refugee, you’ve got to convince the Canadian government that your situation in the US is, well, unsafe. The Immigration and Refugee Board has a pretty high bar; you have to prove that *nowhere* in the US is safe for you. And, as we’ve gathered, it seems unlikely that many, if any, are successfully claiming refugee status right now, which in turn presents a large diplomatic issue with the U.S.
The recent data that we can interpret suggests that the number of Americans applying for refugee status is relatively small, but also increasing. There’s mention of 204 claims in one year, and a rise during the first Trump administration. It seems many are trans people, which is understandable given the changing sociopolitical climate. The comments emphasize that trans people are facing significant challenges. We see concerns about potential policy changes, fear of future discrimination, and the impacts on healthcare and gender-affirming care.
It’s a little understood fact that there’s a vast difference between simply *wanting* to leave a place and *needing* to flee for your safety. It seems as of right now the current laws do not meet the requirements for refugee status. The reality is that, according to the legal definitions, the bar is very high. Many feel it will take direct state-sanctioned violence, before refugee status can be seriously considered. This raises a tough question: How far does things need to go before people can claim refuge? It’s important to note here, though, that even if your claim is rejected, it can affect your ability to travel in the future. It’s also true that the current political situation is not the entire picture, we are reminded that most places do not consider indirect or systemic violence as persecution, and it is true that California and New York may provide protections, that would limit the ability for a trans person from somewhere else to seek refugee status.
It’s also been mentioned that some Americans are already making the move, but not always in the traditional way. It’s understandable when people are looking for a way out. It’s natural to want to escape a situation you find yourself in. But it is also important to remember that the people who are most willing to fight for change, may be the same people who want to leave. It’s like a kind of catch-22. The exodus of those willing to fight for the Constitution would, eventually, leave no one to defend it.
The comments make it clear that, in many respects, it’s a big challenge to move to Canada. The statistics are pretty clear: far more Canadians move to the US than vice versa.
Many people who are trans are expressing concern that things could get a lot worse, and the possibility of fleeing may be necessary. The situation could quickly spiral, where they may need to flee the country. It is understandable, though, that it would not be an easy decision to leave, and they would prefer to stay, for a number of reasons. It’s important to also be aware of how the law views these claims. Asylum is reactionary, not proactive. Things usually have to be pretty bad before asylum claims are granted. Canada will be very hesitant to allow heaps of people to claim refuge from the US, it’s just not good for relations. It’s a complex situation.
There’s a historical perspective, too, that is important to consider. The Underground Railroad is an example of Canada’s role in sheltering people from persecution. Some feel that, in the case of Black Americans, they are living in a police state. The conversation also dives into political opinions. Many expect the outcome, with the current political climate, and some are even joking about it.