A group of around twelve individuals involved in a lengthy international student demonstration in northeast Calgary are facing potential issues regarding their admissibility in Canada, as per an immigration attorney. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) confirmed that its officers were summoned to the protest location on Wednesday to verify the immigration statuses of attendees. Out of the 20 individuals checked, 12 were identified as potentially inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, according to a CBSA representative who mentioned that the individuals were asked to attend a follow-up interview at the CBSA office. Due to privacy regulations, no further details on these cases were disclosed.
The CBSA emphasized that individuals facing immigration enforcement actions, including possible removal from Canada, are entitled to due process under the law. The protest, held by international graduates and their supporters to address work permit concerns near the Genesis Centre at Saddletowne Circle, has been ongoing for weeks. Similar protests are also occurring in Edmonton, with Alberta students engaging in hunger strikes to highlight the issue.
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 the matter. IRCC clarified that the refusals were related to a separate agreement concerning eligible study programs leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Students were advised to ensure both their institution and specific program are eligible for a post-graduation work permit before applying.
The Calgary Police Service sought assistance from CBSA during the protest, citing concerns over excessive noise, obstruction of businesses, and public intoxication. Following police interactions with individuals setting up structures without permits, officers contacted CBSA for verification of identities. Jatin Shory, an immigration lawyer representing approximately twelve students contesting work permit denials, cautioned against attending public protests, citing the risk of drawing attention to their undocumented status. CBSA may issue exclusion orders to individuals without status in Canada, mandating immediate departure and a one-year ban on returning. Legal options exist to challenge such orders, but success rates are low, potentially leading to swift enforcement of removal within weeks.