HANSARD: Order Questions on immigration processing backlog
HANSARD: On the international students who were victims of unscrupulous immigration agents, will the minister ensure an alternate permanent residence pathway to the victims of fraud?
Debates of June 15th, 2023, 2:50 p.m.
House of Commons Hansard #214 of the 44th Parliament, 1st Session.
House of Commons Hansard #214 of the 44th Parliament, 1st Session.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Oral Questions
Jenny Kwan Vancouver East, BC
NDP
Jenny Kwan Vancouver East, BC
NDP
Mr. Speaker, international students who were victims of unscrupulous immigration agents should not be punished. They have invested everything they have to study in Canada. They have contributed to the economic, cultural and social fabric of our community. Halting the deportation and removal orders is a good first step.
The minister said that he is working on a long-term solution. However, what the students need is permanent residency status. Will the minister follow up to ensure that an alternate permanent residence pathway is made available to the victims of fraud?
Sean Fraser Minister of Immigration
Liberal
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for her advocacy, along with members who come from all parties represented in the House of Commons, in finding a solution for innocent victims who were taken advantage of by fraudsters who allowed them to enter Canada on the basis of fraudulent letters of admission.
Yesterday we announced a new path forward, including a task force, that would give an opportunity to students to demonstrate that they were not complicit in fraud but were in fact victims of fraud. They will be given temporary status in Canada to allow them to complete their studies or to continue to work. We have also advanced new measures to ensure they can apply for permanent residency or remain in Canada without prejudice. That is the right path forward—
