Concerned by recent changes to Canada's immigration and permanent residency (PR) rules, a significant gathering of international students, work permit holders, and skilled professionals, predominantly of Punjabi origin, took place in Brampton, Ontario, on Sunday. The community assembled to voice their collective anxiety and discuss the tangible impacts of policy shifts that are casting a shadow of uncertainty over their futures in Canada.
Community Unites Against Policy Uncertainty
The meeting, held on Sunday, served as a platform for those directly affected by the evolving regulatory landscape. Attendees included not only individuals currently grappling with the changes but also immigrants who settled in Canada a decade or more ago, united by a common demand for fairness, transparency, and consistency in immigration policies. The gathering also extended a welcome to anyone prepared to stand against scapegoating, hate, and racism, highlighting the broader social concerns intertwined with the policy debate.
Key policy changes under scrutiny included Bill C-12, which aims to bolster border security and streamline the immigration and asylum system but also grants new powers to pause applications during emergencies. Equally discussed was the return of applications under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), a crucial pathway for foreign workers and international students seeking provincial nomination for permanent residency.
Specific Grievances and Widespread Fallout
According to Bikram Singh, one of the voices leading the protest, the meeting delved into several critical issues. "The points discussed included OINP file returns and the current situation, expired and expiring Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) concerns, express entry draws, immigration changes, and Bill C-12," he stated. The situation is particularly acute for Punjab-based PGWP holders, who find themselves among the hardest hit as pathways to permanent residency narrow.
The ripple effects of these policy adjustments are being felt far beyond Canada's borders, notably in Punjab. The once-booming migration to Canada via the student visa route, which peaked over a year ago, has now come to a significant halt. This downturn has triggered a collapse in associated industries within Punjab, with a large number of IELTS coaching centres, immigration consultancies, and English-speaking institutes permanently shutting down as owners surrender their licences.
Forging a Path Forward: Alliance and Action
In response to these challenges, the community is moving from protest to organized action. Representatives from various organizations and individuals at the meeting proposed ideas to build a cohesive strategy. "We are having an online meeting in the coming week in which we will discuss the ideas and create a roadmap for how this alliance will work and what the upcoming programmes will be. The next actions will be announced soon," revealed Bikram Singh. This indicates a shift towards sustained advocacy to address the concerns raised by the policy shifts impacting thousands of lives, families, and communities across Canada.
