A group of individuals who participated in an extended global student demonstration in northeast Calgary are facing potential inadmissibility issues, which may lead to their expulsion from Canada, as per an immigration attorney. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) disclosed that officers were dispatched to the protest location to verify the immigration statuses of attendees. Out of the 20 individuals checked, 12 were flagged as potentially inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
The identified individuals were requested to appear at the CBSA office for further interviews later that day. Due to privacy regulations, no additional information about these cases was provided, as stated by a CBSA spokesperson. The agency emphasized that individuals subject to immigration enforcement, including removal orders, are entitled to due process under the law.
The protest, held near the Genesis Centre at Saddletowne Circle, involved international graduates advocating for improved work permit conditions. Similar demonstrations are occurring in Edmonton, with some Alberta students resorting to hunger strikes to spotlight their concerns.
Several graduates from Portage College alleged that they were led to believe they were eligible for post-graduation work permits upon completing their studies, only to have many permit applications denied. Portage College is seeking clarification from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding this issue.
According to IRCC, students commencing studies prior to May 2024 remain unaffected by the recent changes. The permit refusals are linked to a longstanding agreement concerning eligible programs of study leading to degrees, diplomas, or certificates. Students are advised to verify their institution and program eligibility before applying for a post-graduation work permit.
The Calgary Police Service sought assistance from the CBSA following complaints about a student demonstration that had been largely peaceful but was causing disruptions in the area. Officers intervened when individuals were obstructing sidewalks and impeding pedestrian traffic, leading to a verification check by the CBSA.
Jatin Shory, an immigration lawyer representing approximately twelve students contesting their work permit denials in federal court, cautioned against public protests. Shory highlighted the unique situation where a group of undocumented individuals was openly publicizing their status, likening it to vulnerable prey awaiting predators.
CBSA’s intervention, prompted by concerns raised by the police, underscores the evolving landscape of immigration enforcement in Canada. The process may culminate in exclusion orders, mandating immediate departure and a one-year prohibition on reentry. Shory emphasized the challenging nature of legal appeals against exclusion orders, often resulting in swift enforcement of removal within weeks.
