U.S. travel ban worries refugee in Saskatoon, while Canadian politicians give support

Travel bans that are part of an executive order from U.S. President Donald Trump are starting to have a ripple effect in Canada.

Rashid Ahmed is a permanent resident after moving to Saskatoon from Pakistan.

While Pakistan isn’t including in the seven countries on the ban list, Ahmed still cancelled a trip to see family in Tennessee because of the uncertainty in the United States.

“I was planning on having my birthday party with my grandma and uncle,” he told 650 CKOM Sunday. “Now the situation is way worse so I don’t think they would even let me in the States.”

Two years ago Ahmed went to Tennesse when Barack Obama was in office and still had problems.

“They searched my facebook, Twitter and held me up for three hours,” he said. “I ended up missing my flight and it was so much hassle.”

Ahmed said his friends and family are sending him messages about wanting to move to Canada.

“I tell all my friends I’m proud to be Canadian,” he said. “I pray and say long live Canada all the time.”

Canadian politicians are beginning to show their support for refugees that have been stranded because of the ban.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau started it on Twitter Saturday.

To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength #WelcomeToCanada

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 28, 2017

Sask. Premier Brad Wall highlighted the province’s commitment to refugees and offered help.

Sask has welcomed approx 2000 refugees this past year. We stand ready to assist fed gov’t re: anyone stranded by the US ban.

— Brad Wall (@PremierBradWall) January 29, 2017

Sunday afternoon Regina Mayor Michael Fougere released a statement supporting assistance efforts.

The mayor shared his post on Facebook and Twitter, getting kudos from a familiar face in Saskatchewan.

@MayorFougere Well done and well said, Mr. Mayor.

— Brent Butt (@BrentButt) January 29, 2017