Canada is home to a lot of immigrants, especially from southern parts of Asia. Last year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Immigration Minister Sean Fraser assured of building programs that will give a fixated status to undocumented migrant workers for their valuable contribution to the Canadian economy and its communities.
So, if you are finding ways to change your existing undocumented status, then keep reading this article to make the most out of the scheme.
What do you mean by undocumented migrants?
Undocumented migrants are workers who come to Canada to work but lack certain important documents that would qualify them as legally permitted immigrants. The absence of these documents places them in constant fear of deportation and bad living conditions. These documents are:
- A study permit if you are an international student
- A work permit if you want to work temporarily as a foreigner
- A permanent residency via some official programs for immigration. These include the Express Entry system for skilled laborers, Refugees, Via Provincial Nominee Programs, family sponsorships, or pathways for economic immigration
What is the issue of Undocumented Immigrants in Canada?
Although the official records can trace evidence of so much so as in 2017, instances of unauthorized crossings at the border have been innumerable in the last decade. As per the IRCC estimates, 30,238 immigrants came to Canada in search of asylum only in the first 6 months of 2022. They have also made refugee claims after crossing the border illegally. Out of these claims, 24,811 are still pending. These people stay in a state of constant confusion, insecurity, and legal threat.
What role are the journalists playing for rules governing Undocumented Immigrants?
As a response to all these pending claims and continuous unauthorized immigration and in the apprehension of what might unfurl, the union of the journalists- Unifor came together. They sent a letter to the immigration minister asking him to make way for a new method allowing stable conditions for undocumented migrants. They believe there might be much more than what these sources suggest.
There are around 1.7 million unauthorized migrants currently without proper documentation status. Therefore, Lana Payne who is the national president of Unifor mentioned in the letter that the programs for permanent residency must be made accessible as soon as possible.
Why is permanent residence for undocumented immigrants in Canada so important?
There are a number of reasons why it is high time to understand the concerns and pains of migrant laborers who live in terrible conditions.
They are exploited and yet deported. It became clear in the pandemic how they were engaging in risky jobs crucial for the economy but had no security or protection.
If you ensure justice for the migrant laborers, you make the state plural and inclusive. It is an assurance that justice will be served to all, particularly to the construction workers or other menial professionals who are exploited with low wages. It amounts to racial justice.
The pandemic, more than anything, has shown how the community at large is safe when everyone is protected. These workers are vital agents in the economy and without their security, the entire system can tumble down very easily. Therefore, you have to overcome your racial prejudices and strive to build a holistic, heterogeneous society together that is safe for all.
What does the Quebec Premier want to do?
Quebec Premier Francois Legault wants Ottawa to curb the influx of immigrants through the border at Wroxham Road. As per them, Quebec lacks enough resources to host them. Although this proved to be a terrible idea leading to Trudeau dubbed it impossible since Canada has a pretty big, and somewhat uncontrollable border.
It is impractical to stop immigrants from entering Canada not just because of the border but because they form the labor force and contribute significantly to the economy.
So, the best the government can do is to look after their rights and protection. This will give them access to all public services and the ability to stand up to workplace violations.