Tens of thousands of international students in Canada have taken to the streets to protest the federal government’s new immigration policies, which they claim will have devastating consequences for their future in the country. The protests, which took place across several provinces, including Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia, were attended by approximately 70,000 foreign students.

The students are opposing the government’s decision to abolish the work permit for international students under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program in 2021, as well as the introduction of a two-year cap on international student visas last year. The government’s move is expected to result in a 35% reduction in the intake of foreign students, which could exacerbate existing pressures on housing, unemployment, and other services.

The students are also concerned about the government’s recent announcement that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. This change has left many graduates facing the prospect of deportation once their work permits expire at the end of the year.

Representatives from the student advocacy group Naujawan Support Network have warned that the new policies will have severe consequences for international students, who have invested significant time and resources in their education in Canada. Many students have expressed frustration and disappointment with the government’s decision, citing their contributions to the Canadian economy through taxes and their efforts to meet the requirements for permanent residency.

The situation has been further complicated by new provincial policies that have introduced a 25% reduction in permanent residency nominations. This move has left many immigrant workers feeling targeted and scapegoated for local housing and job crises, prompting them to stage rallies in recent months.