In a sweeping wave of protests across Canada, thousands of international students are standing against recent immigration reforms that threaten their future in the country,leadership reports.
The federal government, under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has introduced policy changes that could lead to the deportation of approximately 70,000 foreign students.
Protests have erupted in provinces such as Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia, driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s recent immigration measures. Reports from City News Toronto highlight the palpable frustration among international students as they face the stark reality of potential deportation.
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The discontent began in 2021 when the government abolished the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, a crucial pathway that allowed international students to gain valuable work experience in Canada after completing their studies.
The removal of the PGWP program was a severe blow to the student community, significantly reducing their chances of securing employment and, ultimately, permanent residency.
The situation worsened last year when the government imposed a two-year cap on international student visas, further tightening immigration rules. These changes have had a profound impact on the student population in Canada. In 2023, international students made up 37 percent of Canada’s study visa holders. However, due to the new visa cap, the government expects a 35 percent reduction in foreign student intake.
These reforms come at a time of growing concerns over housing shortages and unemployment. Some have blamed international students for exacerbating these issues. However, for the students themselves, the new policies have created a sense of betrayal and uncertainty about their future in Canada.
Student advocacy groups, such as the Naujawan Support Network, are raising alarms over the dire consequences many graduates may face. As work permits expire at the end of the year, thousands of international students could be at risk of deportation.
“I spent six years taking risks to come to Canada… but the government has taken advantage of us,” lamented Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student now facing the threat of deportation. Singh’s experience reflects the broader sentiment among affected students, many of whom feel unfairly targeted by these policy changes.
Adding to these challenges are new provincial policies that have reduced permanent residency nominations by 25%, further complicating the precarious situation for many international students and heightening their fears and frustrations.
As protests continue, the international student community and their supporters are urging the Canadian government to reconsider these reforms and provide a clearer, more supportive pathway for those who have invested in their futures in Canada. The situation remains a critical issue, not only for the students involved but also for Canada’s broader social and economic landscape.
