A group of individuals who participated in a lengthy international student demonstration in northeast Calgary are facing potential immigration issues that could lead to their departure from Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported that officers were called to the protest site to verify the immigration statuses of attendees. Out of the 20 individuals checked, 12 were found to be potentially inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
According to a CBSA spokesperson, the identified individuals were requested to visit the CBSA office for further interviews on the same day. The agency emphasized that individuals subject to immigration enforcement actions are entitled to due process under the law.
The protests, primarily attended by international graduates advocating for work permit concerns, took place near the Genesis Centre at Saddletowne Circle. Similar protests in Edmonton have seen Alberta students resorting to hunger strikes to highlight the issue.
Some graduates from Portage College alleged that they were misled about their eligibility for post-graduation work permits, leading to many permit denials. Portage College is seeking clarification from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding these issues.
Calgary Police Service requested assistance from CBSA due to concerns at the protest site, which had been ongoing since July 24. The police had received complaints regarding noise levels, obstruction of businesses, disturbances, and public intoxication. Following interactions with individuals setting up structures without permits, officers requested identification and subsequently contacted CBSA for verification.
Jatin Shory, an immigration lawyer representing a group of students challenging work permit denials, advised against public protests. He noted the uniqueness of the situation, stating that individuals were effectively advertising their undocumented status. Shory highlighted that CBSA has the authority to investigate tips and suggested that the agency aimed to convey a message about changing immigration norms in Canada.
While the outcome of the individuals’ interviews with CBSA remains undisclosed, Shory mentioned that receiving an exclusion order, which mandates immediate departure from Canada and a one-year ban on reentry, is a common consequence for those without legal status in Canada. Shory also mentioned the challenging nature of overturning such orders, emphasizing the potential enforcement of removal within a short timeframe.