Indian students in canada protest new immigration policies amid deportation fears

Indian students in canada protest new immigration policies amid deportation fears

Hundreds of Indian students in Canada are protesting against recent changes to immigration policies, raising fears of deportation, Business Today reported.

These changes include new restrictions on study permits announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, affecting over 70,000 international students.

Growing frustration amid fears of deportation.

The protests reflect growing frustration among students who came to Canada with hopes of building new lives.

The new policies have jeopardized their plans, leading to concerns about deportation and financial instability. The situation has worsened with new provincial policies calling for a 25% reduction in permanent residency nominations, putting many students at risk.

Students feel blindsided and exploited

Students who have lived in Canada for over a year feel blindsided by what they see as an unfair government policy change. Protest leader Rupender Singh, who arrived from India in 2019, expressed his frustration.

‘They called us here; now they want us to leave,’ he said as quoted by CBC News. Singh accused the province of misleading the students, describing the situation as blatant exploitation.

Reduction in temporary foreign workers and potential residency cuts.

Adding to the students’ woes, the Canadian government announced a significant reduction in the number of temporary foreign workers it accepts, reversing expansions made in 2022. This move addresses concerns about the rising number of temporary residents in the country.

Additionally, Trudeau's cabinet is contemplating cuts to permanent residency streams. The Prime Minister emphasized that the government aims to balance support for immigration with responsible integration pathways.

‘We’re looking at the various streams to ensure that, as we move forward, Canada remains a place that positively supports immigration but also responsibly integrates and creates pathways to success for everyone who comes to Canada,’ he remarked.