70,000 international students protest in Canada amid deportation fear

Earlier also, there were some reports that Indian students were being deported to India from Canada after changes in the immigration policies, at that time Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reportedly had no information on the same.

Study in Canada: As per media reports, over 70,000 international students are participating in a nationwide protest in Canada as they fear being deported to their home countries after a tweak in federal immigration policies. Canada is among the top choices for Indian students to study abroad, however, after the students have enrolled in the country now they are protesting against the Justin Trudeau government for reducing permanent residency nominations and limiting study permits.

The protestors are demonstrating in various provinces including Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island (PEI), and British Columbia. They are organizing rallies and setting up encampments, as reported by India Today.

"Another protest, this time in Winnipeg, Manitoba. "Don't blame us, fix your system" and "We want to stay here". Why stay if the system is broken, then?," says a message on X platform.

 

Some social media posts also reflect anti-international students' sentiments such as the following:

"Foreign students at Algoma set up a Twitter account to protest being justifiably flunked. Here's proof they don't have the English skills they need to be in Canada. Below is a screenshot of their account re-tweeting a post that SLAMS them," reads a message on X.

 

"Look at these young jubilant faces of "temporary foreign students" in Canada. At Algoma University (I must admit NEVER heard of this stellar institute of higher learning), over 200 of these "youngsters" failed their exams. Now they protest that their tuition should cover the cost of the PASSING grades, a novel concept, I admit, but, how about - NO. Also strangely - none of their "protests" and interviews were conducted in English. I assume they failed that class too. OBVIOUSLY. Pack your bags and go back," says another message.

 

Also read: Indian students in Canadian province protest against changing immigration policies

Student advocacy group warns of deportation

Naujawan Support Network has said that when the work permits of the international students will expire at the end of 2024, they may be deported to their home countries.

Mehakdeep Singh, an international student has told City News Toronto, "I spent six years taking risks to come to Canada. I studied, worked, paid taxes, and earned enough Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, but the government has taken advantage of us."

Read more:

• US Education Department grants over $40 Million to Improve College Completion Rates for Underserved Students
• Australia implements cap on international students enrolment for 2025