Ghanaian-Born Canadian, Angie, Sheds Light on Harsh Realities of Seeking Asylum in Canada, currently based in Vancouver, Canada, recently shared insights on the challenges many immigrants face, especially those seeking asylum. Speaking about a new immigration bill, she explained that applying for asylum in Canada is not as simple as many think. “When you seek asylum, you’re essentially declaring that you’re destitute,” she said. This allows the government to offer free legal aid, but the process is far from smooth.
According to Angie, many asylum seekers end up having their claims rejected. If they appeal, lawyers can charge as much as $15,000, yet many of those appeals still fail. Some applicants find themselves in limbo — unable to stay legally in Canada and afraid to return to Ghana. One man even called her saying he refused to go back to Ghana, even though his wife and children are still there. His asylum application had been rejected, but he desperately wants his family to join him in Canada for safety.
She also noted that as visa expiration dates approach, immigration may instruct individuals to return to their home countries — a situation that pushes people into desperate decisions. Angie also revealed that some people use other people’s identity documents (nkɔrɔtaa) just to get jobs illegally, highlighting the levels of hardship they face.
“Canada is not as easy as it seems,” Angie stressed. “Some people travel from one city to another hoping to get help or support, but the expectations often clash with the harsh reality.” She described Canada as a “no man’s land,” where even family bonds can break under pressure. “People even fight with their own siblings over survival.”
She pointed out a stark contrast: “Whites often go to Ghana for research and plan their journey carefully. But many Black immigrants come here blindly, with no plan — just hope.” Some even end up working 24-hour shifts and surviving on gari soakings just to make ends meet. Angie recalled telling one man that if he kept living like that, he might die before achieving what he came for.
She also shared a shocking story: one Ghanaian man traveled to Canada simply because a “borga” (returnee) had taken his girlfriend in Ghana. Determined to prove himself, he sold everything to travel abroad — only to meet his own struggles in Canada. Others migrate due to economic hardship, dollar inflation, or the belief that life abroad is easier. However, many don’t consider how they will survive or resolve issues related to documentation and status (nkɔrɔtaa).
Angie’s message was clear:
“If you want to come to Canada, come prepared — mentally, emotionally, and legally.”
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