A group of 12 individuals who participated in an extensive international student demonstration in northeast Calgary are now facing potential immigration issues and might be compelled to depart Canada, as suggested by an immigration attorney. Officials from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) were dispatched to the protest location on Wednesday to assess the immigration statuses of the attendees. Out of the 20 individuals verified by CBSA officers, 12 were identified as potentially inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
According to a CBSA representative, the identified individuals were requested to attend a follow-up interview at the CBSA office later that day. Due to privacy regulations, no further details on these cases were disclosed. CBSA emphasized that individuals facing immigration enforcement, including removal from Canada, are entitled to due process under the law.
The protest, held near the Genesis Centre at Saddletowne Circle, involved international graduates and their supporters raising concerns about work permit issues. Similar demonstrations are also taking place in Edmonton, where some Alberta students have resorted to hunger strikes to highlight the matter.
Several graduates from Portage College expressed disappointment after being denied post-graduation work permits, despite believing they were eligible. Portage College is seeking clarification from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding this issue. IRCC confirmed that students commencing their studies before May 2024 are unaffected by the changes that led to the permit refusals.
The Calgary Police Service requested assistance from CBSA due to concerns arising from a peaceful protest that had been ongoing since July 24. Although the demonstration had been largely peaceful, complaints were received about noise levels, obstruction of businesses, disturbances, and public intoxication. Police intervened when individuals were found obstructing sidewalks and impeding pedestrians, leading to a request for identification and subsequent verification by CBSA.
Jatin Shory, an immigration lawyer representing a group of students disputing work permit denials, cautioned against participating in public protests. He emphasized that the situation is unique and could lead to potential consequences for those involved. Shory suggested that CBSA’s actions were likely intended to send a message about changing immigration practices in Canada.
While the outcomes of the interviews with the 12 individuals remain undisclosed, it is common for individuals without legal status in Canada to receive exclusion orders following CBSA interviews. An exclusion order mandates immediate departure from Canada, confirmation of departure with CBSA, and a one-year prohibition on returning to the country. Legal options exist to challenge such orders, but success rates are low, and removal could occur within weeks, according to Shory.