In a shocking turn of events, the Canadian government has recently announced a series of stringent immigration policies that could lead to the deportation of approximately 70,000 international students.
This move, deemed necessary by officials, has ignited widespread protests across the country, with many questioning the fairness and humanity of these measures.
The Policy Shift: What’s Happening?
Canada has long been a top destination for international students, offering high-quality education and the promise of a better future. However, recent developments have cast a shadow over this reputation. The new policies, which come under the banner of “Enough is enough,” are aimed at cracking down on fraudulent study permits and ensuring that international students adhere strictly to the conditions of their visas. Canada’s government is implementing stricter policies to combat fraudulent activities, including rigorous scrutiny of study permits, regular attendance checks, and more stringent visa renewal processes.
The recent unrest stems from several policy changes implemented by the Canadian government, aimed at managing the growing number of international students. One of the most significant measures is the decision to cap the issuance of new study permits to around 360,000 for 2024, marking a 35% reduction compared to the previous year. This reduction is part of a broader effort to ease the burden on housing, healthcare, and other public services that have been increasingly strained by the rising influx of international students.
In addition to the cap on study permits, the government has also tightened the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP), a vital pathway that allows international students to gain work experience in Canada and potentially transition to permanent residency. As of September 1, 2024, students enrolled in certain programs at private colleges operating under licensing agreements with public institutions will no longer be eligible for the PGWP. This change has left many students who have invested years and substantial financial resources in their education in a precarious situation.
Further exacerbating the situation, the government last year introduced a two-year cap on international student visas, significantly tightening immigration rules. These changes have had a profound impact on the student population in Canada.
Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student now facing the threat of deportation said “I spent six years taking risks to come to Canada. I studied, worked, paid taxes, and earned enough Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, but the government has taken advantage of us,”. His words echo the frustration and disillusionment felt by many in the international student community.
The Human Cost: 70,000 Students at Risk
For many international students, the recent policy changes have thrown their futures into turmoil. Students, particularly those from India and other countries in Asia and Africa, now face the unsettling possibility of deportation, despite having completed their studies and, in many cases, secured employment in Canada. This uncertainty is further exacerbated by the substantial loans some students have taken out to fund their education in Canada.
Various student advocacy groups, including the Naujawan Support Network, have organized protests in response to what they perceive as unjust treatment of international students. These groups argue that the new policies unfairly target those who have followed the rules, contributed to the Canadian economy, paid taxes, and participated in the labour market. The protests have gained significant traction across the country, drawing large crowds in provinces such as Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
In Brampton, frustrations among international students have led to further demonstrations, where hundreds have gathered to push back against the narrative that blames them for local housing and job crises. Advocacy groups like the International Sikh Student Organisation contend that these issues are the result of broader policy failures, not the presence of international students.
The ongoing protests reflect the growing desperation among international students, who feel they are being unfairly singled out by the government’s recent immigration measures.
The Fight for Permanent Residency
In 2023, international students made up 37 percent of Canada’s study visa holders. However, with the introduction of the new visa cap, the government is now expecting a 35 percent decrease in the intake of foreign students. A key issue fueling the ongoing protests is the demand for an increase in Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) slots. Despite the high demand, the number of available slots remains limited, making the competition incredibly intense.
In Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada’s smallest province, the government announced a 25% reduction in immigration permits. This decision has sparked widespread protests, particularly among hundreds of Indian students who now face the threat of deportation.
These student protests, which began on May 9, have continued for over 110 days. The students argue that the sudden changes to the immigration policy by the province have left them with an uncertain future. The PNP is crucial for many as it allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on their skills, work experience, and potential contributions to the local economy.
The Way Forward
As the situation continues to unfold, the future of these 70,000 international students hangs in the balance. The protests show no signs of slowing down, and pressure is mounting on the government to find a more balanced solution that protects the integrity of the immigration system without causing undue harm to innocent students.
The course of this debate will be decided in large part during the upcoming weeks and months. In response to mounting public criticism, will the government compromise or stick to its original course, no matter the cost? Time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the impacted people’s voices won’t go unheard.
