Mass Protests Erupt In Canada Over Deportation Of 70,000 International Students

Mass Protests Erupt In Canada Over Deportation Of 70,000 International Students

This week, tens of thousands of international students staged protests across Canada in response to new immigration policies introduced by the federal government. According to City News Toronto, approximately 70,000 students participated in demonstrations held in major provinces such as Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia……CONTINUE READING 

The protests were triggered by recent immigration reforms that have left many international students anxious about potential deportation. In 2021, Canada discontinued the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, which had previously allowed international students to gain work experience in the country after completing their studies.

Adding to the concern, the federal government implemented a two-year cap on international student visas last year. As of 2023, international students accounted for 37 percent of study visa holders in Canada. However, the new cap is expected to reduce the intake of foreign students by 35 percent, a measure the government claims is necessary to ease pressures on housing, unemployment, and public services.

In June, the situation became more dire when the Canadian government announced that foreign nationals would no longer be able to apply for a PGWP at the border. This decision has heightened fears among students about their future in Canada. Advocacy groups like the Naujawan Support Network have warned that many international graduates could face deportation once their work permits expire at the end of the year.

A former international student, Mehakdeep Singh, expressed his frustration, saying, “I spent six years taking risks to come to Canada. I studied, worked, paid taxes, and earned enough Comprehensive Ranking System points, but the government has taken advantage of us.”

The situation has been further complicated by new provincial policies, including a 25 percent reduction in permanent residency nominations, which has further limited the pathways for international students to remain in Canada. Additionally, immigrant workers have held rallies in cities like Brampton to challenge claims that they are contributing to local housing and job crises.