By websitebuilder
•
03 Apr, 2020
Surveys and polls have all shown that public opinion across several states is in favour of legalizing recreational marijuana use. Many democratic candidates or presidential hopefuls have actually been very vocal on raising bills that support the decriminalization of recreational marijuana use and providing pardons for previously convicted individuals. But as we all know change comes about based on the policies that are being advanced. Our insights into the possible outcome of the 2020 elections are as good as yours, but what we will say is that based on the track record of the current administration it will take a lot of lobbying to bring about changes to these exclusitory measures. For the last three years we have seen a systematic increase in refusals on entries and removals from the United states of Canadians and Canadian permanent residents. The reasons are far reaching but we have seen an increase in removals for over-staying beyond the six month stay for tourists and visitors. Refusals based on criminal inadmissibility, refusals under the travel ban for lawful and otherwise eligible visitors to the United States and yes, refusals and removals for admitting to use of recreational marijuana in the past. Nexus memberships of persons who fall within the countries impacted by the travel bans are summarily revoked at the borders. A few weeks ago New Yorkers were directly targeted and prohibited from enrolling and/or renewing their membership in the trusted traveler programs. The City of New York is currently suing the current administration over this ban on locals in the city, as they propose that it is discriminatory and is imbedded in anti- immigrant enforcement operations that target undocumented immigrants. These measures are alarming, highly invasive and do not seem to be abating. Is immigration an important factor in the upcoming elections? I think it should be. Will it be a determining factor? We will just have to wait and see.