Canada is currently experiencing widespread protests as more than 70,000 international student graduates face potential deportation due to recent federal policy changes. These students, who came to Canada with aspirations of building a new life, now find their futures uncertain.
Representatives from the Naujawan Support Network, a student advocacy group, have highlighted that these graduates risk deportation when their work permits expire at the end of this year. This follows the Canadian government's announcement of new immigration policies, including restrictions on study permits.
The impact on these students has been severe. Many, who had planned to apply for permanent residency after completing their studies, now face the burden of significant student loans and shattered dreams. Historically, international students have used study permits as a pathway to permanent residency and eventually citizenship in Canada. However, the current situation is unprecedented, with a record number of temporary residents facing expiring work permits.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, speaking at the Liberal cabinet retreat in Halifax, acknowledged the vital role of these foreign workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he noted that the country's economic needs have shifted since then. Despite this, alternate pathways to permanent residency and citizenship remain available, with information provided on the Government of Canada’s website.
Protests are occurring across Canada as international students mobilize against the looming threat of deportation. In Prince Edward Island, students have set up encampments outside the legislative assembly, protesting for over three months. Similar demonstrations are taking place in Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student facing deportation, expressed frustration: "I spent the most crucial six years of my life taking many risks to come to Canada. I studied, worked, paid taxes, and earned enough Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, but now the government seems to have taken advantage of us."
Kanwar Sierah, an immigration consultant, notes the inconsistency in immigration processes: “Initially, there were Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws every two weeks, allowing students to plan accordingly. Now, the unpredictability of these draws has created huge backlogs and uncertainty.”
Protests have also erupted in Brampton, where international students and immigrant workers are voicing their concerns. They argue that the issues with housing and job markets are due to broader policy failures rather than the presence of international students. Advocacy groups like the International Sikh Student Organization are calling for the federal government to extend work permits, provide clear pathways to permanent residency, and address the systemic issues that have led to their exploitation.
These protests underscore the growing frustration and desperation among international students, who feel unfairly targeted. Having invested heavily in their education and the Canadian economy, they are now facing the prospect of returning home while dealing with substantial debts. The students and their supporters urge the government to extend post-graduate work permits, ensure transparent and consistent pathways to permanent residency, and address the broader issues affecting their status. They fear that without these changes, Canada risks losing a significant portion of its skilled workforce and the trust of future international students.
Credit: CityNews
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