U.S. POT USERS SEEM UNLIKELY TO GET ASYLUM

OTTAWA -- Pot-smoking political asylum seekers from the United States are
unlikely to receive refugee status in Canada, immigration experts said
yesterday.

At least three Americans living in British Columbia are arguing that they
have been persecuted in their homeland because of their attempts to grow,
cultivate, or use marijuana for medical purposes.

But, despite a long history of Canada accepting U.S. fugitives, such as
British loyalists and draft dodgers, today's marijuana fugitives will have
a tough time finding a welcome north of the border.

As many as 90 Americans claim asylum in Canada each year, among them are a
number who are fleeing prosecution rather than persecution.

But no U.S. citizen has ever been granted refugee status in Canada -- the
two cases that were initially successful were overturned on appeal -- and
the cannabis cases are unlikely to make a breakthrough, said Raoul
Boulakia, president of the Refugee Lawyers' Association of Ontario.

"I would be really surprised," he said. "The refugee board members aren't
likely to be that radical. No one from the U.S. has ever been successful in
Canada."

The marijuana users seeking refugee status in Canada are three
Californians, Steve Kubby, Ken Hayes and Renee Boje. They were embroiled in
high-profile court cases in the U.S. and have made persecution allegations
as a result. All three are fighting extradition orders from the U.S. to be
tried on drug charges.

There have been reports that hundreds of U.S. citizens have moved to Canada
in recent months, after U.S. Attorney-General John Ashcroft ordered law
enforcement officials to clamp down on medicinal marijuana clubs.

Janet Dench, executive director of the Canadian Council for Refugees, said
she doubts the persecution claims will be successful.