Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About How Much I Appreciate Canada's Compassion

I have family members who are part of the LGBTQ+ community - you likely do as well. I have been paying attention over the past year to how often our elected officials here in the US demonize these dear people and have been appalled to watch as states pass laws to make their lives not only more difficult, but in some States (such as Kansas), nearly impossible. I have listened as some people talk about passing laws to do away with LGBTQ+ marriage and even some have talked about sending these dear ones to detention camps in their so-called Project 2025 writings.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community and their families and friends are rightly concerned about what the future may hold, but Canada takes a different view of these dear people - Canada welcomes them! Not only does Canada welcome them, but Canada will even expedite their applications for citizenship in Canada. I will share a bit of information with you on this so if you have someone you love who is LGBTQ+ and are applying for citizenship, you will have some details which may help -

Canada's citizenship department is expediting proof of citizenship certificates for LGBTQ Americans, with some applicants receiving documents in as little as two weeks. The fast-tracking applies to Americans with Canadian ancestry who qualify for urgent processing based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or membership in particular groups.

Standard processing times for American applicants currently run about a year. This spring, processing times increased dramatically as thousands of Americans applied, including many LGBTQ Americans concerned for their safety in the current U.S. political environment. According to the Canadian government's help center, applicants can request urgent processing "to help avoid situations of harm or hardship" due to sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or membership in particular groups. Urgent processing is also available when applicants need immediate access to social benefits such as healthcare, or to legal status in Canada for employment or education. 

To apply, an applicant must include a letter of explanation for the urgent processing request along with supporting documents, in addition to their complete proof of citizenship application. If the reviewing officer judges the applicant qualifies, the citizenship department will expedite the request, though no specific processing time is guaranteed.

You will find the full article I quoted here at the following link. So, if you, or someone you love is a "Lost Canadian" and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and are applying for your citizenship, you may be able to have your application expedited. It is at least worth checking out to see if you qualify for a faster process.

I grew up in a church which taught LGBTQ+ people were confused and sinning and we should love them, but shun them. This was wrong. SO wrong. I am so happy to see Canada welcomes all people - and is making additional effort to welcome those in the LGBTQ+ community to help them feel this welcome. Makes me even happier to be a "Lost Canadian"!