The Liberals are set to introduce a program granting legal residency to hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants who’ve been living and working in Canada for years.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller outlined a “broad and comprehensive program,” which would allow many illegal immigrants to apply for permanent residency, in an interview with the Globe and Mail.
The program would also aim to regularize the status of individuals who have overstayed their visas, such as those who came as temporary workers or international students and never left when their visas expired.
Miller acknowledged the divisive nature of the policy, but said this just means there is a need for a “greater conversation as a country.”
“The conversation on regularizing people that are here, and by my estimation – my belief – should be Canadian, is not one that’s unanimous in the country,” he said. “We have to have a greater conversation as a country about that.”
Recent polling showed that 67% of Canadians believe that the country’s current immigration target of admitting 500,000 new permanent residents each year is too high. The proposed plan comes amidst growing public scrutiny over immigration rates and their impact on Canadian society, including housing affordability and job market dynamics.
Miller’s proposal, expected to be presented to the cabinet in the spring, seeks to address the situation of an estimated 300,000 to 600,000 illegal immigrants already in Canada. Many of these people have been in Canada for years, forming families and contributing to the workforce, Miller argued. However, these individuals risk deportation because they are here illegally.
“These are people that are already here, already contributing and have kids,” Miller said.
Miller explained that initiating a path to citizenship specifically for illegal construction workers could effectively act as a pilot for the broader program he intends to propose to the cabinet. He acknowledged, however, the potential grievances of immigrants who entered Canada through legal channels, who might perceive this as an unfair advantage for those they consider having “got a pass.”
Amidst concerns of an overburdened system and public backlash, the policy aims to leverage the skills of illegal immigrant workers, particularly in sectors like construction and healthcare.
Miller said plans for a program that will be launched shortly, designed to permit construction workers currently residing in Canada without legal status to apply for residency. This initiative aims to mitigate the shortage of skilled workers in the Canadian homebuilding sector.
Miller indicated that additional reforms are in the pipeline for Canada’s immigration system to enhance its credibility. These reforms will include modifications to the programs for temporary foreign workers and international students.
Amid concerns over exploitation, the minister also discussed recent reforms affecting international students. Last week, the government doubled the financial requirements for study permits, potentially reducing the number of students arriving in Canada.
Miller expressed concerns about the abuse in this sector, highlighting the widespread nature of fraud, such as where students had entered Canada with forged college acceptance letters.
“It occurs in source countries; it occurs in Canada. And it’s one where it’s gone unchecked for way too long,” he stated.
Miller suggested that not all illegal individuals would qualify for permanent residency applications, particularly those who have recently arrived in Canada. He emphasized the need to balance the integrity of Canada’s immigration system with the realities on the ground.
