As U.S. President Donald Trump rolls out a flurry of policy changes to start his second term, some Ontario immigration lawyers have been fielding an increase in calls from those looking to relocate north of the border.
Lawyers say they’re hearing from Americans looking north due to their political beliefs, members of marginalized groups worried what new administration may mean for their safety, and dual citizens looking to renounce their U.S. citizenship.
“They’re, to pick one word, scared. Worried about where they will feel safe, how they’ll maintain their identity, to be accepted,” said Mario Bellissimo, a Toronto-based immigration lawyer.
Trump has signed executive orders aimed at the 2SLGBTQ+ community, civil rights and refugees. On Monday, he signed orders that the government recognize only two sexes and begin laying off federal diversity and inclusion staff.
Trump also signed an order preventing federal money from being used to “promote gender ideology,” and rolled back 78 Biden-era orders, including ones …