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Prudence Donovan and Mason Gaston, residents of Maine, recently made a trip to Ottawa, albeit not for sightseeing. Their goal was to explore the possibility of relocating to Canada as they consider claiming asylum due to their identities as transgender individuals. Donovan expressed their concerns regarding their safety, particularly as they anticipate starting a family, stating, “We really feel that, especially raising a family, Canada would be a safer place.”
The couple’s decision to consider moving stems from their unease with the political climate in the United States, particularly following policies enacted under the administration of Donald Trump. These policies have raised alarm bells for many in the LGBTQ2 community. Notably, shortly after his re-election, Trump signed an executive order that aimed to remove federal support for gender transition for minors and mandated that the federal government recognize only two genders—male and female.
The Trump administration further intensified concerns by prohibiting transgender individuals from serving in the military. Donovan articulated her fears, stating, “I think we understand that it might be a choice between uprooting ourselves or ending up in a political prison.” Their situation reflects a growing sentiment among many Americans.
Nushka Blais, an immigration lawyer based in New Brunswick, has reported an increase in inquiries from people in the U.S. contemplating a move northward. Many of these inquiries are driven by worries related to federal policies that impact the safety and well-being of family members. Blais highlighted that many individuals are particularly concerned about ensuring their elderly relatives are secure and that their children have access to consistent healthcare.
While Blais frequently receives questions about seeking asylum, she does not recommend it as an initial option for Americans due to Canada’s Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S., which designates the latter as a safe country, effectively prohibiting asylum claims from there. She noted, “It’s part of every intake call I receive from the U.S. right now,” indicating the weight of this issue among those seeking refuge.
Instead of pursuing asylum, Blais urges individuals to consider provincial job offerings, particularly in sectors like healthcare, which are actively seeking professionals, especially in areas such as New Brunswick.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt has reiterated this perspective, stating that while there are no special programs for U.S. asylum seekers, the province is keen on attracting specific health-care professionals who might feel uneasy about their situation in the U.S. She assured that efforts are underway to make New Brunswick an appealing option for these individuals.
As for Donovan and Gaston, they have decided to remain in Maine for the moment. They believe that seeking asylum is not their best path, especially with a baby on the way, and they want to stay close to family during this transition. However, they remain vigilant, considering that a shift in U.S. policies concerning transgender individuals may prompt them to make Canada a focal point for their future plans. Donovan remarked on this complexity, noting that “moving with a baby is going to be really difficult if it comes down to it, but at the same time, it’s really scary to be trans and it’s scary to think about what it will be like to be a trans couple with a child.”
Source
globalnews.ca