However, the minister failed to say if he’ll waive inadmissibility on the basis of misrepresentation or grant a pathway to permanent status for the students as called for systematically by the NDP. New Democrats urge the Minister on act on those quickly.
While the task force evaluates these cases, the government must also ensure that these students will be able to continue to work or study in Canada—otherwise they cannot survive. If they don’t have an Open work permit or study permit, they cannot afford rent or food. And these students have already invested everything they had to come study in Canada. The Minister must urgently act to ensure they are supported.
We cannot ignore the impactful and strong advocacy by the community and the students themselves calling on the Liberal government to take action. It is admirable to see mothers from the South Asian community looking after international students as their own children. A sense of compassion and action from the community makes a big difference in the lives of these students away from their own families.
These students can count on me and the NDP to continue to advocate for them.”
Media Release: NDP reacts to announcement regarding defrauded International Students
June 14th, 2023
NDP reacts to announcement regarding defrauded International Students
NDP Critic for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East) released the following statement:
“We welcome the Minister of Immigration’s announcement that international students who were victims of a fraudulent immigration agent will not be punished. It is reassuring to hear that a government task force will evaluate these cases closely.
However, the minister failed to say if he’ll waive inadmissibility on the basis of misrepresentation or grant a pathway to permanent status for the students as called for systematically by the NDP. New Democrats urge the Minister on act on those quickly.
While the task force evaluates these cases, the government must also ensure that these students will be able to continue to work or study in Canada—otherwise they cannot survive. If they don’t have an Open work permit or study permit, they cannot afford rent or food. And these students have already invested everything they had to come study in Canada. The Minister must urgently act to ensure they are supported.
We cannot ignore the impactful and strong advocacy by the community and the students themselves calling on the Liberal government to take action. It is admirable to see mothers from the South Asian community looking after international students as their own children. A sense of compassion and action from the community makes a big difference in the lives of these students away from their own families.
These students can count on me and the NDP to continue to advocate for them.”