A group of about twelve individuals who participated in an extended international student demonstration in northeast Calgary are now under scrutiny for potential inadmissibility and may face expulsion from Canada, as indicated by an immigration attorney.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported that its officers were dispatched to the protest location on Wednesday to verify the immigration statuses of the participants. Out of the 20 individuals checked, 12 were flagged as potentially inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
The CBSA spokesperson mentioned that the identified individuals were requested to appear at the CBSA office later for further questioning, with no additional details disclosed due to privacy laws. The agency emphasized that all individuals subject to immigration enforcement, including removal orders, are entitled to due process under the law.
The protest, led by international graduates and supporters, centered on issues related to work permits near the Genesis Centre at Saddletowne Circle over several weeks. Similar demonstrations are also taking place in Edmonton, with some Alberta students resorting to hunger strikes to draw attention to the matter.
Some 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) on the matter.
The Calgary Police Service sought assistance from CBSA during the protest. The police indicated that while the demonstrations had been mostly peaceful, they received complaints about noise, obstructions, disturbances, and public intoxication. The police intervened on Wednesday when individuals were reportedly blocking sidewalks and impeding pedestrians, leading to the request for identification verification from those setting up structures without permits.
Jatin Shory, an immigration lawyer, is representing approximately twelve students challenging their work permit rejections in federal court. He warned against participating in public protests, highlighting the unique situation of a large group openly revealing their undocumented status.
The CBSA’s involvement followed concerns raised by the police, indicating a shift in Canada’s immigration enforcement approach. Shory mentioned that individuals without status in Canada could face exclusion orders after interviews with CBSA, potentially requiring immediate departure and a one-year ban from reentry.
Legal avenues exist to contest exclusion orders, but Shory noted the challenges in winning such cases, with removal enforcement possible within a few weeks.