Story perspectives

Canada Expands Citizenship, US Applications Surge, Refugee Delays Warned

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

The amendment, effective Dec. 15, lets anyone with a Canadian grandparent, great-grandparent or more distant ancestor claim citizenship.
Since Dec. 15, U.S. applications rose to 56,000 pending and 1,480 granted by Jan. 31, prompting lawyers Nicholas Berning and Amandeep Hayer to shift work.
Applicants such as Michelle Cunha and Troy Hicks cite President Donald Trump’s immigration policies for seeking a Canadian passport, while officials warn the surge could delay refugee and asylum-seeker processing.

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Story summary

The amendment, effective Dec. 15, lets anyone with a Canadian grandparent, great-grandparent or more distant ancestor claim citizenship.
Since Dec. 15, U.S. applications rose to 56,000 pending and 1,480 granted by Jan. 31, prompting lawyers Nicholas Berning and Amandeep Hayer to shift work.
Applicants such as Michelle Cunha and Troy Hicks cite President Donald Trump’s immigration policies for seeking a Canadian passport, while officials warn the surge could delay refugee and asylum-seeker processing.