Thoughts on Canadian RCMP assisting in US refugee asylum
- robynlynn1988
- Feb 24
- 5 min read
Discussion time!
When it comes to immigration, we all know that Canada has a hard time saying no, especially because as a people, we are conditioned to help others in need if we have the means to do so. We all do this, even when we aren't exactly in a position to do so, and that's why I love Canadians.
Sometimes, immigration can be overwhelming, especially when we can see certain aspects affecting our economy, but we keep on keeping on, because that's the Canadian way. We will find other work if we need to, we will work multiple jobs while raising a family and earning some extra income from a side hustle or content monetization, and we will go to the food bank and the welfare office when we absolutely need to, because we all know that sometimes life gets hard and you just have to survive another day, and that's all they want.
I personally feel like we should be extending a helping hand to our neighbours to the south seeking asylum. I don't hate Americans as a whole, but I do hate the sense of danger that some are feeling, and the instantaneous air of cockiness that the orange sheep gained on that fateful day. It has given them the false courage to say the most asininely rude things and not expect any backlash, because their president doesn't have to serve his time, so why should they? If he can grab a woman and spew hatred on the air, why can't they be misogynistic and be keyboard warriors who have clearly never been that brave on the streets before. I'm not a fighter, but I've learned what can be said, and what will earn me a well deserved beating.
I am not a political person, but I have seen the legitimate terror and discouragement in some of my dearest friends in the US, and it hurts me, deeply. I have noticed the change in attitude on social media, where I post a meme that would have been laughed at by maybe 15 people last year, and now it has hundreds of hateful comments from Trump supporters. Some not even related to the meme in any way.
A recent article on CBC News (linked below) mentioned that the RCMP assisted a family of 8 across the border while the family was being chased by US border patrol. 4 of the members were children.
It hurts me to hear that these people were being chased for seeking a safe life, and it joys me to hear that our police would rather help them than return them to the place they were fleeing. I understand that police have a controversial position in society and I personally choose to believe we have more decent ones than bad ones, at least here in the True North Strong and Free.
What is the takeaway?
From a fellow author and Facebook creator, Emily Shore :
Oh, god, this brought tears to my eyes.
From a Canadian:
"The police bring out a child car seat and place it in their cruiser. " Yes, our RCMP have child car seats ready so that children can ride safely. Somehow that detail stands out and makes me both proud (that we are treating people with dignity) and sad (for the frightened people seeking asylum.)
"God help the outcasts hungry from birth
Show them the mercy they don't find on earth
God, help my people, we look to you still
God, help the outcasts or nobody will
I ask for nothing I can get by
But I know so many less lucky than I
Please help my people, the poor and downtrod
I thought we all were the children of God
God, help the outcasts, children of God..."
When you are LGBT and your whole existence is politicized,
When you are an abuse survivor,
When you grew up in a religious cult and NEVER belonged, never fit in...
But when you live in a SANCTUARY state,
When you live in a city where the school system will NOT allow ICE to come into my daughters' school and traumatize them by taking their friends away,
When you live in a state of universal school lunches and breakfasts
When you live in a state where censorship is ILLEGAL
When you live in a state with the 3rd largest Pride Fest in the nation
I am a privileged outcast.
So, if having a heart and empathy for the outcasts makes me a snowflake, I will sparkle and shine in the sun with all my fellow beautiful snowflakes. And together, we can bring an avalanche.
A short but sweet story.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police are seeing a flurry of refugee crossings into Canada since Trump took office. Officials say Quebec has seen the highest influx of people seeking asylum, with many crossing in snowy, remote areas in northern New York.
Here we see a refugee hugging her baby to her chest and, with her free hand, pulling a suitcase. The Mounties wait for her on the Canadian side. One officer speaks out, saying, "You have to go through the, the custom, the border — but if you do cross here, you'll be arrested and then we'll take you in charge, OK?"
The woman nods and steps toward them. The Canadian policeman offers to carry her baby as she makes her way through the slippery snow path. She hands the child to him and then takes the hand of another officer who helps her to the road on the Canadian side.
The police bring out a child car seat and place it in their cruiser.
People who work with immigrants in Canada say these border-jumpers would rather be arrested in Canada than live in fear of how U.S. officials might handle their cases.
"There's quite an increase in people walking through illegally," says Cpl. Camille Habel, spokeswoman with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
"Once that we do all our checks and that we can confirm that they're not a threat to national security, we hand them over to [the Canadian Border Service Agency] who then start the immigration process," Habel says.
Via NPR
From me, a Canadian:
We welcome you with open arms. Reach out to anyone you know, and we will find whatever resources we can to help you feel safe again. 🇨🇦🥰 Myself included. Stay safe, worried neighbours to the south.
More info on CBC News:
If you or someone you know is seeking information about asylum in Canada, please visit this website, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
I am always willing to find resources. Please don't hesitate to email me at robynlynn1988@hotmail.com
-Robyn Hartling
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