It is impossible to put together a form letter that will take into consideration every possible type of trade and mobility barrier American and Canadian expats could be subjected to (there are many). However, the below should provide an example of how expats could play their part in affecting change to the current transatlantic immigration regime which to date has been rather one-sided.

Both Canada and the US have units in their Departments of Foreign Affairs / Dept of State with a responsibility for keeping track of trade and mobility barriers. These incidents and statistics are used when treaties are renewed, complaints are lodged against a particular country, the ambassador is called to the Department in connection with some issue or immigration policy is being reviewed and quotas (does not apply to Canada) changed.

Also the various immigration reform associations and so-called friendship societies really feel the pressure to push for reform when they receive their copies of letters such as the below.

However, keep in mind that the below should not be sent in for minor issues (such as a decision taking two weeks longer than expected, a decision to return an application that is obviously not filled in correctly or to "get back at someone" if one's case really did not have any real merit! One is only damaging the entire credibility of a legitimate collection of complaints against Norway, Sweden and Finland by doing this.

This letter is a structure and content guide for your own individual version which could be forwarded to the relevant departments in the US and Norway, the Immigration Reform societies, the Embassy of Norway and the US/Canadian Embassy in Norway. If you don't mind the publicity you could also publish your letter online or send it to various media outlets for archival (they will not necessarily be interested in a sole incident unless there are many letters arriving with a certain pattern of interest). Also, if there is a large Norwegian corporation with HQ in a US/Canadian city, you could send CCs to the Chamber of Commerce or Council in that city.

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MODEL COMPLAINT LETTER

From:

To:
Norwegian Directorate of Immigration / Embassy of Norway
CC: US Dept of State / Dept of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Norwegian-American Association, Norwegian American Business Club, American-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, US Embassy, Oslo/Canadian Embassy, Oslo, etc.

Subject: Your Recent Decision which Represents a Trade/Mobility Barrier to American/Canadian Citizens in Norway

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I thank you for taking the time to review my case and for your efforts in that regard. I also respect and understand that you are bound by national legislation in the area of immigration, although you may at times also exercise a varying degree of discretion in individual cases.

Your decision in its present form and ultimately the regulations upon which it is based act in my informed opinion as an excessive barrier to skilled western migrants wishing to contribute to the further development of Norway. In light of historical realities including the fact that over 750.000 Norwegians built new lives in North America before the First World War as have tens of thousands thereafter, including entrepreneurs and skilled Norwegians who found their opportunities in my country, it appears that the relationship of exchange of hospitality between our countries is at present rather one-sided.

Despite the myth that the US and Canada are "nations of immigrants", the fact remains that thousands of families had been there since the 1500's and 1600's (not to mention the aboriginal population) and chose to open up national borders to newcomers. They could also have chosen otherwise for whatever reason. Yet, WE chose the option of hospitality and opened up our doors to Norwegians. Even today and despite the strain put on what was meant to be a system of generosity to newcomers, skilled workers are welcome from Norway to my country, as are Norwegian businessmen.

However, when I attempted as a skilled worker/businessperson to seek opportunities in Norway, I was met in a very different manner.

(Describe your experience here in a short, relevant and to the point manner, also describe how authorities treated your case or if you met with labour discrimination and exactly how and what kind.)

In practise, however, Norway has indeed welcomed tens of thousands of immigrants from Africa, Asia and the Middle East. I am hurt/outraged that no acceptable arrangements have been made for Americans and Canadians, despite the current statistical indications that your population is aging and your labour market will require tens of thousands of skilled workers and new businesses in the very near future.

With eye to the above, I am filing an official complaint with my government and yours. While Norway certainly has every right to decide which persons or nationalities it prefers to admit, the exercise of this right cannot but affect how my country reacts to Norway through future policy and actions.

Yours Respectfully,

Your Name
Address:
Telephone/Fax:

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