Successful refugees are termed "protected persons" in Canada. They are entitled to health coverage and can obtain a travel document. They can also apply for permanent residence. However, their status can be revoked if they either lied in obtaining refugee/protected person status or they've "reavailed" or returned to the country against which they have made a claim for protection (this former option is not available against those that have obtained Canadian citizenship). This makes sense. Individuals that have lied to obtain status don't deserve international protection (or simply don't need it as they are not at risk, their claims being fabrications); and we don't expect individuals, who assert a well founded fear of persecution or a risk to their lives to return to the same place where they experienced this persecution; where they would face this risk to their life.
The reality of course is that many successful refugee claimants have returned to their countries soon after obtaining status here. It looks like Citizenship and Immigration/Canada Border Services Agency will be putting a stop to that practice.
The provisions allowing the government to strip status away from successful refugee claimants aren't new. These powers were part of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act that was passed under the previous Liberal government. What's different is a renewed emphasis since 2013; it appears the government wants to see action on close to a 1000 files per year (where they got this number is not clear).
I just saw clear evidence of the efforts out of the Calgary office (an email between two immigration officers). Attached is an excerpt from a recent response to a ATI request, redacted names (except for my own clients) indicating pending action.
To be sure the government should ensure that the integrity of the immigration system is not undermined. At the same time, I hope that action is taken on the clear cut cases. There are reasons why refugees/protected persons may need to return (briefly) to their countries of origin. And, this action may not be appropriate after the passage of time (as it stands, status could be removed from someone that's been here for decades).
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