A Question for Open Border Advocates

[?Impact]

Far more Canadians cross the U.S. border each year than Americans going to Canada

We need more American tourists in Canada spending their money here.

[Machjo]

Canada should adopt an open border policy with the US. It would benefit Canada's economy even if the US does not reciprocate. If the US does not reciprocate, businesses in the US would have access to only the US labour market while those in Canada would have full acccess to both the US and Canadian labour markets. This would mean that expecially businesses that require highly specialized tradespeople and professionals would prefer setting up shop in Canada since they could then hire the best talent from both Canada and the US and so probably face fewer shortages of specialized labour than if they set up shop in the US. Sure some Americans will take Canadian jobs, but they'll also pay taxes in Canada and spend in Canada too and so create as many jobs as they take and contribute to Canadian government revenue to boot.

[bush_cheney2004]

Canada should adopt an open border policy with the US. It would benefit Canada's economy even if the US does not reciprocate.

Canadians already stream across the U.S. border...legally and illegally. They really covet a "green card" and more opportunities in the United States. I hear the weather is nicer too.

[Machjo]

Canadians already stream across the U.S. border...legally and illegally. They really covet a "green card" and more opportunities in the United States. I hear the weather is nicer too.

The US definitely beats Canada weatherwise. Im not sure though that the US would reciprocate if Canada adopted an open border policy for US citizens. I suppose it might reciprocate at least in part, maybe extend allowable stays, make it easier to get a visa maybe? If it reciprocates, so much the better. I was just saying that even if didn't, it would still benefit the Canadian ecomomy.

[bush_cheney2004]

The US definitely beats Canada weatherwise. Im not sure though that the US would reciprocate if Canada adopted an open border policy for US citizens. I suppose it might reciprocate at least in part, maybe extend allowable stays, make it easier to get a visa maybe? If it reciprocates, so much the better. I was just saying that even if didn't, it would still benefit the Canadian ecomomy.

OK...but Canadians would still benefit far more in the USA than Americans would in Canada. Putting Canada's wonderful climate aside, there just isn't enough opportunity unless the Americans bring their own capital, which is what Canada really wants....foreign investment.

President Obama made Canada pay for the new bridge across the Detroit River, and Canada/Ontario gladly did so because they want access to the USA far more than Americans wants to go north.

Last month a Canadian pothead freaked out when the U.S. border agent refused him entry....it's as if he assumed/presumed he can come and go as he pleases. Not.

[?Impact]

President Obama made Canada pay for the new bridge across the Detroit River, and Canada/Ontario gladly did so because they want access to the USA far more than Americans wants to go north.

Perhaps it is the $70+ million/year in tolls that the bridge will rake in, and Manuel Moroun the owner of the current Ambassador bridge will go broke. When greedy Americans control the bridge they gouge everyone, now that Canada is in control it will smooth sailing.

[bush_cheney2004]

Perhaps it is the $70+ million/year in tolls that the bridge will rake in, and Manuel Moroun the owner of the current Ambassador bridge will go broke. When greedy Americans control the bridge they gouge everyone, now that Canada is in control it will smooth sailing.

Even if it is built, Canadians will pay far more for it, because they cross far more often. No wonder some Canadians lobby for "open borders".

"Oh boy....we're going to The States today !"

Edited October 4, 2016 by bush_cheney2004

[Argus]

It can easily be both. We let him in, but if he can't support himself, that's when homeless shelters and food banks kick in. It's not up to the government to keep him out. He has a right to be given a chance to fend for himself without us tying his hands behind his back.

I prefer my city not resemble Calcutta, thanks, with beggars and homeless on every corner, and crowds of hopeless, uneducated people drifting through garbage strewn streets.

[Machjo]

I prefer my city not resemble Calcutta, thanks, with beggars and homeless on every corner, and crowds of hopeless, uneducated people drifting through garbage strewn streets.

A basic understanding of human nature suggests that that would not happen. Think about it. Why would a person want to sleep in a homeless shelter in Canada in winter alone, far away from family, and not knowing the local language when he could go back to Calcutta where his job prospects would be better?

Common sense.

[Bonam]

Americans are also most guilty from working in Canada without authorization to do so. Surprise, surprise.

That said, I do think the law ought to be changed to allow it, but only for ethical business. No sex work for example.

What gives you the right to decide that the oldest profession is unethical?

[Machjo]

What gives you the right to decide that the oldest profession is unethical?

Studies have shown that not only most sellers but most buyers too have often suffered abuse (whther physical, emotional, or sexual) as children. Rape is common along with unprotected sex in the insustry. How do you explain such stats?

[Guest]

Studies have shown that not only most sellers but most buyers too have often suffered abuse (whther physical, emotional, or sexual) as children. Rape is common along with unprotected sex in the insustry. How do you explain such stats?

If you ask someone if they are doing something voluntarily, and they say they are, and want to keep on doing it, who are we to tell them they can't?

So long as it's not robbing a bank, or something like that.

Edited October 6, 2016 by bcsapper

[bush_cheney2004]

Related to open borders, I have been reading other forum and immigration sites for just how much effort some people will make to get to and stay in another country illegally.  There is a huge legal services business for immigration law for people who overstay their visas, ignore deportation orders, try to game residency rules, solicit marriage arrangements, leverage pregnancy/children, or otherwise try to game the system.  

The Schengen Area in Europe (about 26 countries) was suppose to solve a lot of those issues, but it doesn't apply to borders around the world.    So the narratives usually have one or more of the following elements:

1)  I was caught or may be caught staying in the country illegally

2) This is my sob story whether you believe me or not; will customs care and grant me mercy ?

3) Should I lie to customs/border agents and take my chances ?

4) How did they find out anyway ?   (The nerve of them !)

5) How long will I be banned from re-entry ?

6) I can't live in third world conditions after staying illegally in Canada/U.S./U.K. or other developed nation.

7) Can't I just pay the fine and stay ?

8) What if I get a national to marry me ?

9) Why do consular officers assume I will overstay again ?

10)  What if I promise not to work illegally ?

 

Just fascinating stuff that would make for riveting television, like "Locked Up Abroad".    I guess some people just think they are special !