Fact Check: "17,800 visa applications reviewed for links to the Iranian regime."
What We Know
The claim that "17,800 visa applications were reviewed for links to the Iranian regime" is supported by statements from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). As of June 6, 2023, the CBSA confirmed that approximately 17,800 visa applications were indeed reviewed for potential inadmissibility due to possible connections to the Iranian regime. This review process is part of Canada's immigration enforcement actions following the designation of Iran's leaders as inadmissible to Canada due to their involvement in terrorism and human rights violations (Global News and CBC).
The CBSA's actions are a response to the designation made by the Canadian government in November 2022, which categorized the Iranian regime as one that engages in systematic and gross human rights violations (CBC). This designation allows the CBSA to take immigration enforcement actions against any senior official of the regime (Global News).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible sources, including official statements from the CBSA and media reports that accurately reflect the agency's findings. The CBSA's review of 17,800 visa applications aligns with their ongoing investigations into individuals with potential ties to the Iranian regime. This number has been consistently reported across multiple reputable outlets, including CBC and Global News.
The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their status as established news organizations that adhere to journalistic standards. Furthermore, the CBSA is a government agency tasked with immigration enforcement, which adds to the credibility of their statements regarding the number of applications reviewed.
However, it is important to note that while the CBSA has reviewed these applications, the outcomes vary. For instance, as of the same date, 131 visas were canceled, and 115 investigations were opened, indicating that not all applications resulted in denials (Global News). This nuance is critical in understanding the broader context of the claim.
Conclusion
The claim that "17,800 visa applications were reviewed for links to the Iranian regime" is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources, including official statements from the CBSA, confirms that this number accurately reflects the agency's review process in light of the government's designation of the Iranian regime as inadmissible to Canada.
