Thousands of international students across Canada are protesting against the federal government’s sweeping immigration reforms, which have put around 70,000 students at risk of deportation. The demonstrations have erupted in provinces like Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia, following significant policy changes that have adversely affected these students.
The protests are largely fueled by the abolition of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program in 2021, which was a vital pathway for students to gain work experience in Canada after completing their studies. Compounding the issue, the government imposed a two-year cap on international student visas last year, which has led to a 35% expected reduction in foreign student intake.
These stringent measures have been introduced amid growing concerns over housing shortages and unemployment, with some blaming international students for contributing to these issues. However, student advocacy groups, such as the Naujawan Support Network, have voiced concerns that these policies could lead to the mass deportation of graduates once their work permits expire at the end of the year.
Adding to the anxiety, new provincial policies have reduced permanent residency nominations by 25%, further complicating the situation for many students. As frustrations mount, protesters are calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to reconsider these harsh immigration reforms that have left thousands of students in a precarious position.
One affected student, Mehakdeep Singh, expressed his disillusionment, stating, “I spent six years taking risks to come to Canada… but the government has taken advantage of us.”