Synopsis: The immigration system in Canada faces major scrutiny as “Lost Canadians”. Individuals granted legal status under recent legislative changes are receiving letters questioning the validity of their citizenship. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is conducting administrative reviews and requesting certificate returns, leaving many families in stressful legal limbo and threatening the integrity of the process.
The immigration system in Canada is embroiled in yet another controversy as a number of individuals known as “Lost Canadians” were allegedly told their Canadian citizenship might not be valid, even after they were issued official citizenship certificates.
This new development has caused confusion, fear and uncertainty for persons of non-Canadian origin who thought, after years of delays, court battles, and policy changes, they had finally received the legal status they so desired. 
What Happened?
According to reports, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has reached out to several individuals who recently obtained citizenship under changes designed to allow Canadians born abroad to pass citizenship on to future generations.
These people were given citizenship because Canada changed its citizenship law in connection with the so-called Lost Canadians bill, which was meant to address longstanding issues with citizenship law.
But some recipients have been receiving letters from the Registrar of Canadian Citizenship that say there are “reasonable grounds” that their citizenship certificate may not have been issued correctly.
It is reported that in some instances, people have been requested to submit their paper citizenship certificates for verification during the review process.
Why Are Lost Canadians Being Reviewed?
The immigration department states that people seeking proof of citizenship through a Canadian ancestor must clearly establish all the parent-child relationships from one generation to the next.
This may require applicants to be able to submit convincing evidence from original sources, including the following:
According to IRCC, this review is meant to verify the issuance of citizenship certificates in accordance with the law.
However, it has been a cruel time for those who are struggling.
Families Now Living in Limbo
Zachary White, a 26-year-old who was born in the United States and became a Canadian citizen, was one of the affected individuals. He had a job waiting as a carpenter and intended to create a life with his girlfriend in Ontario.
Now, having learned that his citizenship is being reviewed, he says he feels stuck in limbo. His case is a good example of how this situation affects people’s emotions. For many Lost Canadians, citizenship is more of a means of survival. It impacts how they live, work, travel to family and plan for their future in Canada.
Another Californian lawyer was said to be moving to Canada with his family but got a letter that hung his plans up for a while.
The Documentation Problem
One of the concerns is that there are some Canadian ancestors born in times and locations where birth certificates were not issued. In these cases, applicants may have used other records such as census records, religious records, or historical government records.
Advocates said it is a violation of a person’s rights to ask about citizenship after they have acted in good faith and presented the documents they had on hand. Others argue that the removal or suspension of citizenship through administrative review can make people feel insecure if they thought they were finally recognised as Canadians.
What This Means for Canadian Immigration
This issue may be a crucial litmus test of the Canadian citizenship process.
On one hand, IRCC is required to safeguard the integrity of citizenship certificates while simultaneously making sure that all applications comply with legal standards. But impacted individuals report that they were authorised, issued with certificates, made important life choices, and now are in a state of uncertainty.
Quick Summary
Final Thoughts
The Lost Canadians issue was supposed to provide long-overdue justice for those who have been ineligible for citizenship for generations. However, this sudden review has brought back fear and confusion as a result.
The most pressing question for those affected is: will Canada grant citizenship, and will it be secure in the eyes of the individual?
Until IRCC finishes these reviews, many Lost Canadians may find themselves in a precarious state, known one day and not known the next.
