Here is my analysis as an Iranian.
Islamic Republic of Iran's government has been abusing Iranians since 1978. Since then:
- some brave and courageous Iranians have stood up and fought for their values. Some were murders and some are in jails, and some are
- some (like me) gave up and left the country for USA, EU, Canada, etc.
Having said that, the majority of Iranian community in Canada are selfish and only care about their own immediate needs. For example, after so many years, with more than 200,000 people in Toronto, 100,000 people in Vancouver and so on. We have only one representative in Toronto.
We don't vote and we don't support other fellow Iranians.
Canadian conservative government started introducing new unfair rules gradually. They carefully evaluated feedback before moving to the next step.
Here is a summary to refresh your mind:
- in 2008, they introduced a new PR process and stopped providing service to those applied since 2003. To feel the unfairness better here is any example. Those applied in 2008 got their visa in the same year, while those applied 5 years earlier still in the queue.
This just impacted Iranians outside of Canada who had not voting power. This did not impact Iranians in Canada so we simply ignored it.
- in 2010, they introduced a new law and stopped issuing visa for parents sponsorship. Many Chinese and Indian and other communities protested so the government backed up a little bit and provided 5 years temp visa for parents. Iranians did not care much, because it effected only a portion of them. One might say if Iranians had the protest power would not leave their own country at first place!
- in 2011, they slowed down the spouse sponsorship processing times for middle eastern applicants. Again Iranian community did not care.
- in 2012, they closed Canadian Embassy in Tehran which effects mostly:
1) students
2) parents of Canadian citizens.
3) brothers and sisters of Canadian citizens.
4) tourists
Because it will be required to travel to Turkey one or more times to obtain their visa.
and if Iranian community stays like this:
in 2013, Visa fees for Iranians will be doubled.
in 2014, Iranians will not be able to move from one province to another without permission.
in 2015, Iranians will not be allowed to enter certain locations. (similar to what is happening to Afghanis in Iran)
in 2016, Iranians need to get clearance from the government of canada every 2 years.
etc....