Protests erupt across Canada as 70,000 international students face possible deportation
Canada is seeing widespread protests as around 70,000 international students react to new immigration policies under the Justin Trudeau-led Federal Government.
Demonstrations have taken place in various provinces, including Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
City News Toronto reports that the protests are in response to recent policy changes affecting international students. In 2021, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program was discontinued, and last year, a two-year cap was introduced on international student visas.
In 2023, international students made up 37% of study visa holders in Canada. The new cap is expected to reduce the intake of foreign students by 35%, adding to pressures from the housing crisis, unemployment, and other public services.
In June, the Canadian government announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for PGWPs at the border. This has led to concerns that many international graduates might face deportation once their work permits expire at the end of the year. Additionally, new provincial policies have cut permanent residency nominations by 25%.
Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student facing deportation, expressed frustration, stating, “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,” according to City News Toronto.
Immigrant workers have also been staging rallies in Brampton, disputing claims that they are responsible for local housing and job issues.
