Canada: Student Protests Held Amid Immigration Policy Scrapping

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Facts

International students reportedly held protests across Canada this week over the nation's immigration policies amid concerns that over 70K students could face deportation at the end of this year when their work permits are up.^[1]
The demonstrations — held across provinces including Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia — come as the government scrapped a short-term COVID-era rule on Wednesday that allowed visitors to apply for work permits without having to leave the country.^[2]^[3]
This follows other student immigration amendments, with the government prohibiting foreign nationals from applying for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) at the US-Canada border in June. In 2021, Canada abolished the PGWP for foreign students.^[4]
In January, it also placed a two-year cap on foreign student visas, which Immigration Minister Marc Miller estimates will cut enrollments in 2023 by 35% to 365K compared to last year.^[5]
This comes amid a broader effort to limit immigration, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing new restrictions on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program on Monday, adding that the government is considering a cap on permanent residents.^[6]
On Thursday, Canada's immigration department released new data showing that as of July 31, the number of citizenship, immigration, and visa applications under review stands at a record over 2.3M, with a backlog of over 1M.^[7]

Narrative A, as provided by Financialpost. Canada's international student program has exploded, with numbers skyrocketing from over 122K in 2000 to nearly 900K in 2023. This is straining housing, infrastructure, and healthcare. Many now view the program as a path to work and citizenship rather than education. The government's policies have encouraged this shift, allowing increased work hours and easier paths to residency. Canada has no choice but to limit the influx of foreign students.
Narrative B, as provided by Vancouversun. Canada's move to limit foreign students is unfair, given the immense value they bring to the country. These students contribute an estimated $30B annually to the economy, supporting over 1.6K educational institutions and boosting local economies. However, many international students face significant challenges upon arrival, including exorbitant tuition fees and limited job prospects. This approach prioritizes short-term concerns over the long-term benefits of cultural exchange and economic growth.