Prudence Donovan and Mason Gaston, a transgender couple from Maine, recently traveled to Ottawa with the intention of potentially claiming asylum in Canada due to concerns about their safety and the political climate in the United States. They feel that Canada would be a safer place to raise a family, especially in light of the Trump administration’s stance on LGBTQ2 rights and policies. The administration has taken steps such as cutting federal support for gender transitions for individuals under 19, defining sex as strictly male or female, and banning transgender individuals from serving in the military. This has led to increased interest from Americans, like Donovan and Gaston, who are considering a move to Canada.
Immigration lawyer Nushka Blais, based in New Brunswick, has been hearing from more Americans who are worried about federal policies in the United States and are exploring the option of seeking asylum in Canada. While seeking asylum is a common question among American citizens, she does not recommend it as a first pathway due to Canada’s safe third-party agreement with the U.S. Instead, she suggests looking into professions that provinces are seeking, such as healthcare professionals in New Brunswick, and applying through those channels. New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt also emphasized the importance of attracting specific health-care professionals from the U.S. who may be feeling uncomfortable in their current country.
For Donovan and Gaston, the decision to move to Canada is a complex one. While they recognize the potential need to uproot themselves for their safety, they are currently staying in Maine and are expecting a baby. Asylum is not their preferred pathway, as they would like to stay close to family. However, they have not ruled out moving to Canada if U.S. policies on transgender individuals intensify. Donovan expressed concerns about the challenges of moving with a baby and the fear surrounding being a transgender couple raising a child. They are taking their time to weigh their options and make the best decision for their family’s future.
The political situation in the United States under the Trump administration has raised concerns among LGBTQ2 individuals, prompting some, like Donovan and Gaston, to consider moving to Canada for safety and security reasons. The couple believes that Canada may offer a more accepting and inclusive environment for them to raise their family. However, they are also aware of the challenges and uncertainties that come with relocating to a new country, especially with a baby on the way. Immigration lawyer Blais and New Brunswick Premier Holt highlight the importance of exploring alternative pathways to immigration for Americans, such as seeking professions in demand in specific provinces.
The decision to seek asylum in Canada is a complex one for many Americans, including Donovan and Gaston. While they are currently staying in Maine, they are keeping Canada as a potential option if the situation in the U.S. worsens. They are balancing the desire to stay close to family and their growing family’s needs with concerns about their safety and the political climate in their home country. Ultimately, their decision will be guided by their desire for a safe and inclusive environment to raise their child, and the hope for a better future for their family in a country that respects their rights and values their identities. Canada, with its reputation for inclusivity and acceptance, remains a possible destination for them if circumstances require them to seek refuge outside of the United States.
