Federal security screening for those seeking to flee the Gaza Strip has been criticized for being either too invasive or insufficient. The special program, allowing up to 1,000 people in Gaza with Canadian relatives to apply for visas, requires detailed information, creating anxiety for families. Immigration Consultant Yameena Ansari criticizes the questions as indicative of treating the families as potential terrorists. However, the group Lawyers for Secure Immigration argues for more probing questions to prevent Hamas supporters from entering Canada. The conflict in Gaza, which has displaced most of its 2.3 million population, started when Hamas attacked southern Israel. Canada’s immigration department says Palestinians pose no greater threat than individuals from other regions, and the detailed information is standard practice. The initial screening is the first step in a multi-step process, including vetting by Israeli and Egyptian governments and biometric checks.
