For Most Refugees in Canada, a Warm Embrace. For Others, Jail. - The New York Times

Human rights groups are urging Canada to stop holding migrants seeking asylum in jails, often with people accused of violent crimes. By Ian Austen Reporting from Halifax, Nova Scotia; Toronto and Ottawa His attempt to escape deportation from Germany by hiding on a westbound freighter — under the cargo cover of a new BMW — was desperate and ill conceived. With only 1.5 liters of water and some nuts and dates, Walid Kabil did not have enough supplies, heat or space to survive the April voyage. He feared being returned to Morocco, where he said he had been arrested because of his political activism. But cold, aching and dehydrated, he sought help from the ship’s crew. Then came the surprise. After the ship docked in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and he was handed over to Canadian border authorities to make his asylum claim, Mr. Kabil was sent to a provincial jail filled with people accused of violent crimes, including murder. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has told asylum seekers on social media t

Human rights groups are urging Canada to stop holding migrants seeking asylum in jails, often with people accused of violent crimes. By Ian Austen Reporting from Halifax, Nova Scotia; Toronto and Ottawa His attempt to escape deportation from Germany by hiding on a westbound freighter — under the cargo cover of a new BMW — was desperate and ill conceived. With only 1.5 liters of water and some nuts and dates, Walid Kabil did not have enough supplies, heat or space to survive the April voyage. He feared being returned to Morocco, where he said he had been arrested because of his political activi