Canada immigration crackdown: 9,000 Punjabi students face deportation risk under new law
Canada new immigration law: Canada’s tightening immigration framework has sparked concern among international students, particularly from Punjab, after the introduction of a new law commonly referred to as Bill C-12. The policy shift has led to the issuance of notices to nearly 30,000 persons, including an estimated 9,000 Punjabis, raising fears of potential deportation.
The notices have been sent primarily to individuals currently residing in Canada under refugee claims after their work permits expired. Authorities have asked recipients to justify their eligibility to remain in the country under the updated immigration rules. Failure to respond within 21 days, by May 3, could result in the cancellation of their work permits and the initiation of deportation proceedings.
While the notice itself is not a deportation order, it signals a critical review stage. Individuals must now provide credible evidence supporting their claims, such as medical emergencies or risks to personal safety in their home country.
Punjab has long been a major contributor to Canada’s international student population, with around 1,50,000 students enrolling annually in Canadian colleges. Many of these students transition to work permits after completing their studies. Earlier, those unable to secure permanent residency often applied for refugee status, allowing them to continue working while their cases remained under review, sometimes for years.
The new law significantly alters this pathway.
The legislation aims to streamline Canada’s immigration system and curb misuse of refugees provisions. Its major provisions include:
One-year deadline for refugee claims: Individuals must apply for asylum within one year of arriving in Canada. Delayed applications will generally be deemed ineligible.
Faster processing and limited appeals: Cases that do not meet eligibility criteria may no longer go through lengthy hearings before refugee boards.
Retrospective application: The rules are being applied to individuals already residing in Canada, which has brought many long-term residents under scrutiny.
In response to the policy shift, students from India and other countries staged protests in Winnipeg on April 17. Demonstrators urged the government to reconsider the decision, particularly the cancellation of work permits and the risk of deportation.
Canadian authorities maintain that the changes are necessary to preserve the integrity of the immigration system. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has stated that refugee protections are intended for individuals fleeing war, violence, or persecution not as a fallback for those unable to secure permanent residency through standard channels.
- With inputs from agencies
