Protests in Canada as 70,000 international students face deportation due to changes in immigration policies: Report…

Last updated on August 28th, 2024 at 08:23 am

More than 70000 international student graduates in Canada are facing deportation charges as there are changes being made in the federal immigration policy. The students who came to Canada with hopes of building a new life, are now protesting across the North American country against Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau government’s decision to limit study permits and reduce the permanent residency (PR) nominations.

The protests and demonstrations are taking place nationwide, from the east coast to the west and north to south with students setting up encampments and organising rallies in various provinces such as Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba and British Columbia.

In PEI, which is Prince Edward Island, hundreds of students have been protesting outside the legislative assembly for over 3 months continuously challenging the system’s immigration rules.

According to student advocacy groups, many graduates could face deportation charges when their work permits cease to exist at the end of the year. The situation has suddenly turned from a secure place to a more volatile region filled with uncertainty as there has been an introduction of a 25 percent reduction in permanent residentship nominations by the federal government.

Reason of Cutting Student Visas

The inflow of international students made up 37 percent of study visa holders in 2023 putting a significant amount of pressure on the Canadian housing, healthcare and other services. In response, the federal government has taken this step to limit the influx of students coming from other countries.

This cap is expected to result in 360000 approved study permits in 2024, a 35% reduction in applicants from that of previous year according to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

According to a statement by Marc Miller, Minister of IRCC, “Foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border from June 21, 2025. This decision targets flagpoling where temporary residents exit and re enter the Canadian territory to expedite work or study permit applications”.

The PM has also stated that there will be a reduction of temporary  workers who are employed in low wage jobs from now on through layoffs and other ways.