Dear Editor,
For quite some time, the issue of automatic birthright citizenship has been a major topic of discussion in our community. Now, it has gone to the national level. Both of the major political parties of Canada — the Liberals and Conservatives — seem to be serious in tackling it.
This is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed without any further delay. Our politicians need to rise above politics and consider all of the ramifications of this loophole. Richmond is a typical example where a large number of foreigners are taking unfair advantage of this loophole.
Canada must ensure that in order to receive Canadian citizenship upon birth, at least one of the child’s parents must be either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. That seems only fair. It has nothing to do with the home country or the nationality of the mother/parents of the child.
According to some media reports, a large number of countries have either ended this practice or are making it conditional. Automatic birthright citizenship is wrong, plain and simple, and must be ended forthwith.
Balwant Sanghera
RICHMOND
