VUONG: Obey the laws of Canada or be deported

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Over 40 years ago, my parents were among 60,000 refugees welcomed to Canada. They, like everyone fleeing the violence of the Vietnam War, lost everything and were desperate to start a new life. For two years, my parents waited in Thailand’s Sikiew refugee camp before being welcomed to Canada. Let’s be clear, they did not want to be there, but they respected immigration rules and waited their turn.

That respect for Canada’s rules seems to be a relic of the past. Even worse, our so-called political leaders seem more interested in ignoring our courts and supporting immigration rule-breaking.

Take for example Pakistani national and climate activist Zain Haq, who has finally been deported from Canada. Though Haq was here on a student visa, he didn’t appear to do much studying. Instead, he preferred a life of activism and was arrested over a dozen times for blocking bridges and roads, including access to Vancouver’s airport and construction of pipeline infrastructure. He also served nine days in jail after being found in criminal contempt of court.

In April 2024, Haq’s deportation was ordered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The order was also upheld by the federal court, which dismissed Haq’s challenge. However, the order was subsequently overruled by Immigration Minister Marc Miller. Traditionally, ministerial intervention is reserved for very serious matters, often involving life-or-death situations. Try as I did in the House of Commons, the minister would not explain why he used his ministerial power to not only overrule his department but also the federal court.

At a time when Canada’s immigration system needs significant reform and alleged terrorists are getting into the country, why did Haq’s case demand Miller’s special attention?

Why didn’t the minister step in to help the much-needed doctors or tradespeople who want to help heal and build our nation, but have found themselves stuck in his department’s quagmire?

Fortunately, in this month of epiphany, the minister had one. He somehow saw the wisdom in not interfering again in the work of Canada’s immigration officials and Haq was deported.

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May had no such newfound wisdom. She abhorred the deportation order, going so far as to say this was a matter of “fairness and democracy.” Seriously? So, immigration regulations and Canadian law are just suggestions and don’t reflect fairness and democracy?

No doubt, May is supportive of Haq’s climate activism and has said as much. However, where exactly is the fairness in protecting a person who violated the terms of his visa when anyone else with a criminal conviction, never mind multiple ones like Haq, would not be eligible for a visa in the first place?

Of equal concern, the same disdain seen federally for the high principles that used to be the foundation of our immigration system is being shared by people at Toronto City Hall.

Last summer, Mayor Olivia Chow and Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik hosted an official ‘Undocumented Residents Day’ in Toronto. “Undocumented Residents” is a euphemism for illegal immigration. This is the normalization and celebration of illegality and it must stop.

To do so, we must get back to basics. Everyone must be equal before the law and the rules that govern immigration to Canada. We must vigilantly enforce our requirements and swiftly act against those deemed to have violated the terms of their visas.

Like my parents, who respected and abided by Canada’s immigration regulations and laws, politicians of all levels must ensure that the same applies today. After all, unless you are a citizen, being in Canada is a privilege, not a right. If you violate the terms of your visit or break a law, you should be deported. It’s that simple.

Canada’s immigration system was indeed fair and democratic and it used to be the envy of the world. The path back starts by restoring faith in that system. We did it before and we can do it again.

Kevin Vuong is the independent Member of Parliament for Toronto’s Spadina-Fort York. The son of refugees, he is the youngest MP of Asian heritage elected to the 44th Parliament. He also serves as a naval reserve officer in the Canadian Armed Forces