A group of around twelve individuals who participated in an extended international student demonstration in northeast Calgary are facing potential immigration issues, which may lead to their departure from Canada, as indicated by an immigration attorney. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) dispatched officers to the protest location on Wednesday to assess the immigration status of attendees. Among the 20 individuals whose statuses were verified, 12 were identified as potentially inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These individuals were requested to appear at the CBSA office for further interviews on the same day. The CBSA highlighted that due to privacy regulations, no additional information regarding these cases would be disclosed. The agency emphasized that all individuals subject to immigration enforcement actions, including removal from Canada, are entitled to due process under the law.
The protest, organized by international graduates and their supporters, aimed to address concerns regarding work permits near the Genesis Centre at Saddletowne Circle in Calgary. Similar demonstrations were also reported in Edmonton, with some Alberta students resorting to hunger strikes to raise awareness about the issue. Graduates from Portage College expressed disappointment after being denied post-graduation work permits, contrary to their expectations upon completing their studies. Portage College is currently seeking clarification from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on the matter. An IRCC spokesperson clarified that students commencing their studies before May 2024 are unaffected by recent changes. The refusals were linked to eligibility criteria based on previous agreements concerning specific study programs leading to degrees, diplomas, or certificates. Students were advised to verify the eligibility of their institutions and programs before applying for post-graduation work permits.
The Calgary Police Service sought assistance from CBSA following complaints about a protest that had been ongoing since July 24, characterized by peaceful demonstrations but also incidents of excessive noise, obstruction of businesses, and public disturbances. Police responded to reports of individuals blocking sidewalks and impeding pedestrians, prompting them to request identification from those setting up structures without permits on city premises. Subsequently, CBSA officers were called to verify the status of four individuals, leading to a broader investigation after two were found not compliant with their immigration status.
Jatin Shory, an immigration lawyer in Calgary, representing a group of students contesting their work permit denials, cautioned against public protests for individuals in similar situations. Shory highlighted the unique challenge posed by a large group of individuals openly declaring their undocumented status. He emphasized that CBSA has the authority to investigate tips received and suggested that the agency’s actions aimed to signal a transformation in Canada’s immigration processes. While the outcome of the interviews with the 12 individuals remains undisclosed, Shory explained that receiving an exclusion order, requiring immediate departure and barring reentry for a year, is a common consequence for individuals without legal status in Canada. Shory mentioned the limited success rate in challenging exclusion orders and the likelihood of swift removal within weeks.