Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
After the passage of a new immigration law in Canada, around 9,000 Punjabis are now at risk of deportation. The Immigration Department has issued notices to nearly 30,000 refugees following the approval of the C-12 Bill, which removes the recognition of refugee claims under previous provisions.
In response, Punjabi students along with international students staged a protest in Winnipeg on April 17, demanding that the government not cancel work permits or carry out deportations.
According to immigration data, out of the 30,000 individuals who received notices, approximately 9,000 are Punjabis. The Canadian government stated that the objective of the new ‘C-12 Bill’ is to identify individuals residing in the country illegally.
Here's Revised Law's terms and conditions
Under the new law, refugee cases will no longer be heard by the refugee board. Previously, individuals caught working without a valid work permit could have their cases reviewed by the refugee board, a process that often took years, allowing them to continue working during that period.
The C-12 Bill is a newly introduced immigration reform aimed at streamlining the system. Earlier rules allowed individuals to apply for asylum at any time after arriving in Canada, with cases often dragging on in courts for years.
Under the revised law, individuals must now apply for asylum within one year of entering Canada. Failure to do so may result in deportation without a hearing if they are caught.
The law is considered effective from 2025, which is why notices have also been issued to individuals already residing in the country. Many Punjabi students who completed their studies and were working through permits or asylum claims are now affected. Protests by Indian students continue, demanding protection and reconsideration of the new law.