Canada immigration officials look set to step up efforts to prevent illegal immigration

Canada immigration officials look set to step up efforts to prevent illegal immigration with the introduction of a new bill on Thursday.
The bill is expected to strengthen Canadian immigration enforcement, a measure designed to discourage illegal immigration into the country.

The move is in response to the arrival of 500 Tamils, brought to the country illegally by people smugglers.

“This phenomenon calls into question the most basic obligation of a sovereign country: to control its own borders,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said.
“I do worry about the consequences of not acting. Because a failure to act, and act strongly, will inevitably lead to a massive collapse in public support for our immigration system,” he added.
While details of the bill have not yet been announced, it is expected to introduce heavier penalties for people smugglers while still protecting genuine refugees.