Mass Protests Sweep Canada as 70,000 International Students Face Deportation Crisis
A significant wave of demonstrations has erupted across Canada this week, as approximately 70,000 international students protest against recent federal immigration policy changes. According to City News Toronto’s report on Monday, these large-scale protests have taken place in key provinces such as Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
The unrest is fueled by the federal government’s new immigration reforms, which have triggered widespread anxiety among international students about potential deportation. A major point of contention is the elimination of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program in 2021, which previously allowed international graduates to gain essential work experience in Canada post-studies.
The situation has been exacerbated by the introduction of a two-year cap on international student visas last year. Currently, international students constitute 37 percent of study visa holders in Canada. However, the new visa cap is anticipated to reduce the influx of foreign students by 35 percent. The government defends this move as a necessary measure to ease pressures on housing, employment, and public services.
In June, the Canadian government further restricted regulations by disallowing foreign nationals from applying for a PGWP at the border, intensifying fears among students regarding their future in Canada. Advocacy groups, such as the Naujawan Support Network, have raised alarms that numerous international graduates might face deportation once their work permits expire at year’s end.
Mehakdeep Singh, an international student now at risk of deportation, shared his frustration: “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 crisis is further complicated by new provincial policies, including a 25 percent reduction in permanent residency nominations, which has further restricted pathways for international students to stay in Canada. Additionally, immigrant workers in cities like Brampton have organized their own protests, challenging claims that they are exacerbating local housing and job issues.
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