Canada is currently experiencing nationwide protests as more than 70,000 international student graduates face the threat of deportation due to recent federal policy changes.
These students, who came to Canada with dreams of a new life, are now grappling with uncertainty and fear about their futures.
The crisis began when the Canadian government announced new immigration policies that include tighter restrictions on study permits and a reduction in the number of permanent residency nominations.
This decision has put thousands of international students in a precarious situation as their work permits are set to expire at the end of this year.
Representatives from the Naujawan Support Network, a student advocacy group, have highlighted the severe impact of these policy changes. Many students who had planned to apply for permanent residency after completing their studies are now left with heavy loans and uncertain futures.
In response to the looming deportations, international students across Canada have organized protests. In Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia, foreign students have been protesting for more than three months.
The protests reflect the growing frustration and desperation among international students. Many have invested heavily in their education and contributed significantly to the Canadian economy, yet they now face the prospect of returning to their home countries with massive debts and no job prospects.
Advocacy groups are actively involved in the protests, arguing that the issues related to housing and job shortages are not caused by international students but rather by broader policy failures. They are calling for the federal government to extend work permits, provide clear pathways to permanent residency, and address the systemic issues that have led to their exploitation.
The students and their supporters are urging the Canadian government to make necessary adjustments to immigration policies. They believe that extending post-graduate work permits and providing consistent, transparent pathways to permanent residency are crucial for resolving the current crisis.
