While stressing the necessity of creating new avenues for some immigrants to obtain permanent residency in Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has simultaneously emphasized the significance of expediting the deportation procedures for others. This is in reaction to mounting worries expressed by advocates for sexual and gender minorities, who contend that undocumented people are more susceptible to exploitation in the absence of a regularization program.
In his remarks in Winnipeg, Trudeau highlighted the necessity for a two-pronged strategy to deal with the problem. “People who aren’t here regularly need to be supported and taken care of,” he said. “The immigration minister is now working on a pathway towards regularization and citizenship, which is necessary. There are situations when we must expedite the deportation process.”
The Liberal administration promised in 2021 to look into measures to regularize the status of undocumented workers who are making contributions to Canadian society. The plan is anticipated to be presented by Immigration Minister Marc Miller prior to Parliament’s summer break, however, there is no schedule for adoption.
Those who entered Canada without the required papers, overstayed a temporary visa, or stayed after their asylum petition was denied are considered undocumented immigrants and face several difficulties. The number of people without documentation is estimated to be between 20,000 and 500,000. These people frequently live in constant fear of being discovered, and they have little access to social assistance and medical care.
The issue has gained particular attention from the Migrant Rights Network and other advocacy groups, which noted that LGBTQ+ migrants are disproportionately affected. Many face severe threats if deported to countries where same-sex relationships are criminalized.
The Migrant Rights Network and other advocacy organizations have drawn special attention to the problem, pointing out that LGBTQ+ migrants are disproportionately impacted. If deported to nations where same-sex partnerships are illegal, many would suffer serious risks.
Canada launched the Guardian Angels program in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic, which enables selected refugees who provide direct patient care to apply for permanent residency. This program offered a sense of security and appreciation for their contributions.
Eligibility Criteria
The Guardian Angels program specifically targeted refugee claimants who:
- Worked in direct patient care roles, such as nurses, personal support workers, and other healthcare professionals.
- Provided essential services in healthcare settings during the height of the pandemic.
- Had pending or failed refugee claims, acknowledging their precarious status despite their critical contributions.
Approximately 8,500 individuals were able to benefit from the Guardian Angels program, gaining the opportunity to apply for permanent residency. This initiative not only provided these workers with legal stability and peace of mind but also acknowledged the significant risks they took to support public health during a global emergency. The program highlighted Canada’s commitment to humanitarian values, demonstrating a willingness to protect and support those who, despite facing their own uncertainties, chose to help others. It also served as a reminder of the important role immigrants play in the fabric of Canadian society, particularly in times of crisis.
These modifications indicate that there may be major future changes to Canada’s immigration laws as the government strives to strike a balance between the integrity of the immigration system and the need to protect those who are most vulnerable.
