Canada ‘troubled’ by US separation of migrant families: minister

Ottawa (AFP) – Canada said Tuesday it was “troubled” by the US practice of separating immigrant children from parents detained after crossing the US-Mexico border, warning that it could put the US’s safe haven status at risk.

“I think all Canadians are troubled by images coming out of the United States. The lives of children are very, very precious and their security and their well-being has to be foremost in our minds,” Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen told parliament.

He added that Ottawa is “monitoring the United States domestic asylum policy to make sure that any changes in their asylum system continue to meet their designation as a safe third country.”