Immigration Policies
Canada, known for its inclusive immigration policies and welcoming stance toward migrants, is once again taking a significant step forward in addressing the situation of undocumented migrants within its borders. According to recent announcements, there are plans for the federal cabinet to meet as early as this week to examine ways to facilitate the naturalization of thousands of unauthorized immigrants, including those who have been turned down for asylum, into Canadian citizens.
Project Aims
By offering them a clear and organized route to gaining permanent residency status, this project seeks to alleviate the difficulties faced by people residing in Canada without legal status.
Upcoming Citizenship Bill Announcement
On Thursday, May 23, it is scheduled to be a part of an announcement made by Immigration Minister Marc Miller regarding the Citizenship Bill.
“People who aren’t here regularly need to be supported and taken care of,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters in Winnipeg recently.
Estimates of Undocumented Migrants in Canada
There is no accurate tally of the number of these individuals living in Canada, although academic estimates lie between 20,000 and 500,000 persons.
Mandate to Former Immigration Policies Minister
The Prime Minister’s mandate letter to former immigration policies Minister Sean Fraser in 2021 would be satisfied by this new endeavour.The minister is to “Build on existing pilot programs to further explore ways of regularizing status for undocumented workers who are contributing to Canadian communities,” according to the mandate letter.However, no timeline was put on when this would take effect.
Migrants’ Protests for Permanent Residency
In September 2023, the streets of Canadian cities were filled with the resounding voices of migrants, including undocumented persons, students, and refugees, marching in unison. Their message was clear and unequivocal: they demanded permanent residency status for all, without exception.
Calls for an Uncapped Permanent Residency Program
The protesters were calling upon the Canadian government to establish an uncapped permanent residency program that would encompass all migrants and undocumented immigrants currently residing in the country. They highlighted the unjust plight of those who had been living and working in Canada for years, contributing to society and building their lives, yet faced the constant threat of deportation due to their immigration status.
IRCC’s Commitment to Regularization
Later In October 2023, IRCC said that it continues to explore options to regularize those people who lack immigration policies status and have been contributing socially and economically to Canada’s communities.
In addition to the ongoing advocacy efforts by migrants and the formulation of new immigration policies strategies by the Canadian government, it’s important to recognize the existing regularization initiatives that have been implemented by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Guardian Angels Temporary Public Policy
One such initiative is the Guardian Angels temporary public policy, which was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the needs of pending and failed refugee claimants who worked in patient care, along with their family members. This policy aimed to provide a pathway to permanent residency for these individuals, acknowledging their critical contributions to the healthcare sector during a time of crisis. By offering a route to regularization, the Guardian Angels policy exemplified Canada’s commitment to supporting essential workers and recognizing their valuable role in society, irrespective of their immigration policy status.
Temporary Public Policy for Out-of-Status Construction Workers
Furthermore, the IRCC currently has in effect the temporary Public Policy for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto Area. This policy acknowledges the significant economic contributions of workers in the construction industry while also addressing the vulnerabilities associated with their lack of legal status. By providing a pathway to regularization for out-of-status construction workers, this policy not only recognizes their hard work and dedication but also seeks to ensure their rights and protections in the workplace.
In conclusion, Canada’s decision to create pathways for undocumented migrants to obtain permanent residency and citizenship marks a milestone in its ongoing commitment to compassion and inclusion. By recognizing the contributions and inherent dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration policies status, Canada reaffirms its position as a global leader in humanitarian values and social justice. As these initiatives move forward, they have the potential to transform the lives of countless undocumented migrants, offering them the opportunity to fully participate in and contribute to the diverse tapestry of Canadian society.
