Although this year's election frenzy is over, disgruntled Americans dismayed by President Bush's re-election are seeking residency in Canada, saying that they cannot take living under the Bush administration for another four years. "I just like their way of life a lot better...Canada's basic population is much more intelligent, polite, and civilized," said 50-year-old Oregon sales manager Ralph Appoldt to CNN.com. "Their tax dollars go to helping those who need it, instead of funneling money back up to the wealthy and feeding this huge military -industrial machine."
Canadian officials say interest in their country began almost a year before Bush's re-election, but surged when polls showed that Bush would defeat his democratic challenger. "We started last year getting a lot of calls from American's dissatisfied with the way the country is going," said Canadian immigration lawyer Rudi Kischer to CNN.com "Then after the election, it's been crazy up here. The Canadian immigration Web site had 115,000 hits the day after the election from the U.S. alone. We usually only get 20,000 hits." Kischer is planning to hold seminars in three U.S. cities aimed at persuading angry Americans to move to Canada. But before those Americans start packing their belongings and checking for property in Canada, they should be informed that Canadian officials say Americans will have to follow the same immigration procedures that any other foreigner would have to.
When asked if the Americans would receive any special treatment, Canadian Immigration Minister, Judy Sgro told WorldNet daily, "No, they'll join the crowd like all the other people who want to come to Canada. If they're hard-working honest people, there's a process and let them apply".
The procedures include a $500 application fee, a $975 landing tax and a wait that could last from six months to two years. Also, as a requirement of the Department of Canadian Citizenship and Immigration, any persons applying for Canadian citizenship will have their complete application reviewed to ensure that it meets all the various immigration criteria including medical, criminal and security checks. Possible citizens should also consider learning the French language, because it is a primary language for many of Canada's citizens. There are also strict laws and regulations about what can be brought into Canada. Cultural property, including antiques, historical objects and furs may not be brought across the border.
Canadian laws tend to favor more liberal Americans. Canadians enjoy universal healthcare, more than half of Canada's provinces allow same-sex marriages and there are no laws restricting abortion. Also, the Canadian Senate has recommended that marijuana be made legal in the country. Despite the many perks that may come with a move to Canada, many Howard University students say that although they've thought about it, a move that far up north just isn't in their plans. "I give full support to those Americans moving to Canada and I would if I could but I cannot because of my education," said freshman computer engineering major, Afia Gyimah-Boadi.
Miyah Johnson, a freshman human development major agrees, and says that she too thought about moving. "I always said I would but I really wouldn't go all the way to Canada, said Johnson. "I don't think it will make too much of difference because Canada like any other country has its problems as well." Others on Howard's campus say a possible move to Canada should be a second option for Americans, and argue that citizens should remain in this country to fight for what they believe in.
"We cannot run away from our problems because we must face them head on and do everything within our power to see change," said D'Andre Allen, a sophomore public relations major.
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