Demonstrations by international students facing deportation have reached their 100th day in Brampton, with protesters calling on the Canadian government to address the severe backlog of permanent residency applications and extend post-graduation work permits set to expire in 2024-2025.
Organized by the Naujawan Support Network, the protests have brought attention to the plight of over 70,000 international students who risk deportation despite their significant contributions to Canada’s economy, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These students were hailed as heroes during the pandemic,” the Naujawan Support Network stated. “They drove trucks, delivered packages, operated forklifts, constructed homes, served food, and provided care. Their labour bailed out the Canadian economy during a dire time, and now they are being discarded.”
The protests, which have included rallies and traffic blockades at major Brampton intersections, emphasize the broken promises international students say they were given about career opportunities post-graduation. Many demonstrators have camped near Highway 410 to spotlight their cause, which they argue stems from policy shifts reducing post-graduate work permits and shortening employment opportunities after graduation.
Economic Impact at Stake
International students contribute approximately $31 billion annually to Canada’s economy through tuition, rent, and payroll contributions like CPP and EI. The Naujawan Support Network warns that the new restrictions threaten a $7.4 billion annual loss in tax revenue, which funds essential services like healthcare and public infrastructure.
Union leaders, including representatives from the Ontario Federation of Labour, have thrown their support behind the movement. A large rally is planned to mark the 100th day of protest, amplifying calls for fair treatment and a clear pathway to permanent residency for those already in the system.
“Broken Promises” and Government Response
Critics argue that Ottawa’s proposed cuts to international student programs undermine the economic and social contributions of foreign students and workers. Nationwide, an estimated 200,000 former international students could face deportation under these initiatives, leading to significant gaps in industries like logistics, construction, and care services where these students have filled essential roles.
Local leaders, unions, and advocacy groups have urged the federal government to extend expiring work permits and streamline pathways to permanent residency, calling the current situation both unjust and economically short-sighted.
As the protests continue, international students and their supporters hope to bring greater awareness to the contributions they have made to Canadian society and the urgent need for policy changes. The next rally, marking 100 days of action, will reinforce their demand for justice, fair treatment, and recognition of their integral role in Canada’s economy.
“Canada cannot afford to turn its back on those who have helped build its economy,” the Naujawan Support Network emphasized. “These students deserve better.”