Pubdate: Sat, 13 Nov 2004
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 Hacker Press Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: Joe Millican

WHITE: CANADA CRIMINAL HAVEN

American drug traffickers, the FBI's most wanted and U.S.-born Hells
Angels are just some of the individuals who have sought refuge in
Canada, according to Abbotsford MP Randy White.

And that - together with White's claims that "dozens" of American
refugee cases have been heard in Canada in the past year - has
prompted the long-serving MP to say enough is enough.

"Canada has become a haven for criminals and drug activists from the
States, and the Refugee Board continues to accommodate them while
Canadians foot the bill," White said.

"Legitimate refugees must wait for their hearing while criminals use
the system's resources for their own purposes. In fact, there are web
sites set up specifically to assist Americans facing marijuana charges
to enter Canada as refugees."

White says that in 2003, an American claimed refugee status in Canada
after being indicted in the U.S. on conspiracy to import drugs.

And earlier this year, he says an American on the FBI's most wanted
list was arrested in B.C. and claimed refugee status to avoid
deportation. He is awaiting hearings, according to White.

"There is no such thing as an American refugee. The system must
change," he added.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin