Quote:
Originally Posted by CDSmith
http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/...nt_kept_o.html
OWOSSO, Mich. -- A mid-Michigan woman says she was denied entry into Canada because she is on welfare.
Rose Kelley of Owosso says she has filed a discrimination complaint with the Canada Border Services Agency over its refusal to let her and her two children cross the border via the Blue Water Bridge connecting Port Huron with Sarnia, Ontario.
The 25-year-old Kelley tells The Argus-Press of Owosso that she planned to visit friends and relatives when she arrived at the border May 1. She says she was told to furnish evidence of citizenship, financial support and other documentation, but was denied entry again on May 3.
Kelley says she was told she didn't make enough money and people on welfare shouldn't take vacations.
Do you think Canada Customs officers did the right thing? Should someone be denied entry into the US or Canada because they're on welfare?
Some might say yes. When you're on welfare you should have to give up certain luxuries like... taking trips to other countries to spend your welfare cheques.
Yay or nay?
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I think things should be put into perspective. after 9/11, the US/Canadian border and crossing became quite a bit more formalized as they always should have been. Its a very normal thing to have to show proof of income and proof you can support yourself when entering another country. It's not Canada's place to take care of you if your car breaks down. I think its a very normal thing considering what it means to be on welfare (meaning the actual income and proof the person is unemployed) to question their ability to support themself or desire to return to their country of origin.
If I announced the Canadian boarder guards that i had $0.95 net worth and no income, i think its quite normal for them to turn me away. Canada turns people away for their driving records, prior arrests and all kinds of shit. This is nothing new or different or unusual. Its only unusual to someone who doesn't travel.