Indian student graduates in Canada are protesting against the government’s new immigration policy changes that could lead to their deportation. More than 70,000 students are uncertain about their future due to these changes. Many have been camping in front of legislative assemblies in various provinces, including Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
The new policies aim to reduce permanent residency nominations by 25% and limit study permits. This comes as Canada has seen rapid population growth driven mostly by immigration. Graduates are at risk of being deported when their work permits expire later this year. They have invested years and family savings in hopes of gaining permanent residency in Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government is under pressure to reduce the number of temporary residents as the country faces a housing and jobs crisis. The government is also reducing the number of temporary foreign workers it brings in, criticising employers for circumventing hiring talented workers in Canada. Work permits will be denied in regions with high unemployment rates, except in sectors like agriculture, food processing, construction, and healthcare.
Trudeau has vowed to support responsible immigration policies that provide pathways to success for everyone coming to Canada. The government has promised more measures to reduce the temporary resident population to 5% of Canada’s total population in three years. Advocacy groups insist that employment and housing issues stem from broader policy failures rather than the migration of international students.
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