Canada's citizenship laws are under scrutiny as concerns grow over the practice of birth tourism. Critics argue that anyone can come to Canada, give birth, and secure citizenship for their child, which could lead to chain migration. They point out that there are currently no language requirements or societal contributions needed from parents who are not Canadian citizens.

On Tuesday, Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner proposed an amendment to the law. Her proposal would prevent citizenship from being granted to children born in Canada to non-citizens unless at least one parent holds permanent residency. This change aims to close a significant loophole in Canada's immigration system while still being fair to foreign nationals with ties to the country.

However, the amendment was rejected by the Bloc Québécois and the Liberal Party. Critics of the current system argue that it allows for an excessive number of non-resident births, which have surged from 2,245 in the previous year to 5,698 in 2021-22. Many of these births are occurring in British Columbia, with a study indicating that the majority of birth tourists come from Nigeria, along with parents from the Middle East, India, and Mexico.

Children born in Canada are entitled to citizenship benefits, including the right to vote, access to public health care, and the ability to return to Canada without restrictions. This has raised concerns about the implications for national security and social services. Critics highlight that if these children grow up abroad, they still retain Canadian citizenship and its associated privileges.

The issue is further complicated by the fact that the current immigration system allows parents facing deportation to use their Canadian-born children as a basis for remaining in the country. This practice stems from a Supreme Court ruling that emphasized the need to consider the well-being of Canadian children in immigration decisions.

As the debate continues, the government faces pressure to address the perceived loopholes in the citizenship process and to establish clearer guidelines for immigration and citizenship eligibility. The situation remains contentious, with differing views on how to balance compassion for families with the need for stricter immigration controls.