Immigration Minister Marc Miller has raised concerns about a sharp increase in asylum claims by international students in Canada, describing the trend as troubling. In an interview on The West Block, Miller pointed out that many students are filing asylum claims within their first year in Canada, often for reasons he characterized as questionable, including attempts to secure lower tuition rates.
Miller’s comments came in response to the case of Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a Pakistani student recently arrested in Quebec for allegedly planning a terrorist attack. While he refrained from discussing the specific details of the case, Miller highlighted the broader issue of growing asylum claims among international students, suggesting that some may be exploiting the system.
“There’s been a significant increase in asylum claims, and it’s worrying, particularly as many of these students arrive with the financial means to support themselves and pay full tuition,” Miller said. He noted that many asylum claims seem to be motivated by a desire to avoid the high fees that international students typically face—fees that can exceed $40,000 annually for undergraduate students, compared to the much lower rates paid by Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
In response, the Canadian government has proposed reducing the number of international student permits by 10% next year. This follows a previous reduction of 35%, aimed at easing pressure on housing and public services caused by an influx of temporary residents.
Miller urged educational institutions to improve their admission procedures to preserve the integrity of Canada’s international student program, which he stressed is intended to foster academic excellence rather than serve as a pathway to bypass immigration regulations.
Despite the government’s efforts, universities have already reported a 45% decrease in international student enrollment, a figure that surpasses the planned cutbacks.
The arrest of Khan, along with two other individuals charged in a separate case earlier this year, has put Canada’s security screening process under scrutiny. Miller acknowledged that while Canada’s security systems have improved, there is still work to be done to address emerging threats. He emphasized the importance of cooperation with neighboring countries like the U.S. and Mexico to bolster border security measures.
“We need to stay ahead of these threats,” Miller concluded, stressing the need for vigilance in addressing potential security risks posed by individuals entering Canada.