Protests Erupt in Canada Over International Students Deportation

Tens of thousands of international students across Canada have engaged in widespread protests this week against recent immigration policy changes implemented by the federal government.

According to reports, approximately 70,000 students participated in demonstrations across major provinces, including Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia, as they voiced their concerns over potential deportation due to these reforms.

The protests were triggered by a series of immigration reforms, notably the abolition of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program in 2021, which previously allowed international students to gain essential work experience in Canada after completing their studies.

Additionally, the government introduced a two-year cap on international student visas last year, which is expected to reduce the intake of foreign students by 35%.

As of 2023, international students constituted 37% of study visa holders in Canada. The recent changes have left many students anxious about their future in the country, particularly as new provincial policies have reduced permanent residency nominations by 25%.

Student advocacy groups, including the Naujawan Support Network have raised alarms that many international graduates could face deportation once their work permits expire at the end of the year.

Affected individuals, such as Mehakdeep Singh, have expressed their frustrations, stating, “I spent six years taking risks to come to Canada... but the government has taken advantage of us”

In addition to the protests by students, immigrant workers have also rallied in cities like Brampton, challenging the narrative that they are responsible for local housing and job crises.

Advocacy groups argue that these issues stem from broader policy failures rather than the presence of international students.

The Canadian government has announced further restrictions on temporary foreign workers, reducing the share that employers can hire in the low-wage stream and tightening application processes in areas with high unemployment.