December 13, 2024
The Honourable Marc Miller, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Re: CCR Concern re International Students affected by recent policy changes
Dear Minister,
Further to our recent conversations at the CCR Consultation in Ottawa, I am writing to express our serious concerns about the impacts of recent policy changes on international students who are already here in Canada, and the worrisome narrative we are witnessing from the Government questioning some students’ right to claim asylum.
After having been encouraged to come here for education, with prospects of a pathway to permanent residence, and after having contributed to Canadian society, many international students now face the closing of the door to a future in Canada because of recent changes to the rules coupled with caps on immigration levels.
Revisions in policy are the prerogative of the government, but it is unjust to change the rules mid-way, leaving people stranded. There is important discussion underway about changes to immigration-related rules and programs for international students, which, if thoughtfully done, addressing the needs and contributions of students alongside Canadian economic and social needs, could be positive in the longer term.
However, any changes made should apply to people considering studying in Canada in the future. They should not be applied retroactively to current students who have already invested heavily in their lives in Canada. We welcome the October 4th IRCC announcement that at least now ensures that international students in college programs who applied for study permits before November 1st will not be denied a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) based on their field of study, similar to those graduating from universities.
It is important to note that just a few years ago, the government was highlighting the advantages for Canada of encouraging international students to remain in Canada through a PGWP and expanded avenues to permanent residence. Important supports for spouses were provided to enable families to stay together. Many students chose Canada for their studies because of these opportunities, which were promoted both by the federal government and by post-secondary colleges and universities.
Numerous students have since become workers and have contributed significantly to our economy. Their contributions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, were remarkable and celebrated on the frontlines.
Now Canada seems to have lost sight of the ways students contribute to our society, and the reasons we enticed them here. Instead, students are unfairly presented as putting pressure on housing and being unneeded in the labour market.
In response to the government’s announcement of restrictions on international students, there has been much public discussion of the impacts of the restrictions on colleges and universities, who rely heavily on the revenue generated by international students.
But there is shamefully little attention to the students themselves, whose lives are deeply affected by the policy changes. We have recently seen protests by international students at various locations across Canada, reflecting that this is a crisis for students who came to our country with dreams of building a better future. Many students have invested significant personal and family assets in their studies, based on realistic expectations of a pathway to permanent residence, only to see their hopes dashed by changes in policy.
Facing removals, students are falling prey to unscrupulous actors who charge them to take unsafe routes to the US or lead them into other forms of exploitation including labour exploitation.
Some students who fear risks to themselves if they return home are making refugee claims. We are very concerned that the government, including through statements by you, Minister, is presenting refugee claims by international students as a problem. Everyone has a right to seek protection if they fear persecution. Canada has a robust determination system through the Immigration and Refugee Board, by which Canada decides whether claimants do indeed need our protection. Comments by government representatives questioning the legitimacy of certain claims are completely inappropriate: they undermine the fairness of the process and the independence of the Board. Through words and action, the government must guarantee access, without vilification, to fair and timely refugee determination for those who seek it.
We are concerned about students being left in limbo due to shifting policies. The continuous changes are creating a climate of uncertainty and distress for students, leaving them unsure of their future in Canada.
International students have made significant contributions to Canada, both economically and socially. They need to be respected, not scapegoated for Canadian social problems that are not of their making.
The CCR is calling on the Canadian government to take immediate and meaningful action regarding the situation of international students who are already in the country. We highlight the importance of maintaining fairness and compassion in immigration processes and ensuring that international students do not face unpredictable and unnecessary barriers. This call is driven by the urgent need to prevent these individuals from being pushed into precarious situations, such as exploitative labour or harmful immigration practices, due to uncertainty about their status and future in Canada.
Specifically, the CCR urges the Canadian government to:
- Provide international students already studying in Canada (together with their spouses) with options for extensions of temporary visas and pathways to permanent residence under the rules that were originally communicated and understood by them.
- Develop fair, transparent and expanded pathways to post-graduate work permits and permanent resident status for international students and provide access to relevant permits to their dependent family members during and after the student’s study period.
- Eliminate the rule that restricts international students from working more than 24 hours per week off campus.
- Monitor and combat misinformation in Canada and outside Canada that misleads international students.
- Standardize and strengthen oversight mechanisms for education recruiters including those operating outside the country.
- Continue to allow international students making a refugee claim full access to refugee determination at the Immigration and Refugee Board, without discrimination, and cease public comments calling into question the legitimacy of refugee claims made by international students.
Compassion and fairness towards these students require this. It is also in the interests of our society and economy, which will benefit from the continued participation of these Canadian-educated young people who have so much to offer and who are willing to choose Canada in these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Diana Gallego
President