Ottawa/New Delhi (National Times): Following in the footsteps of the United States, Canada has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigrants, triggering widespread fear, particularly among the Punjabi community, which constitutes a large segment of the South Asian diaspora in the country.
In a sweeping national effort to tighten immigration enforcement, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has launched a major deportation drive, issuing over 30,000 deportation warrants to individuals found in violation of immigration laws.
Who is Being Targeted?
CBSA officials say the focus of the crackdown is on three primary categories:
- Individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected
- Those who have overstayed their visas
- Persons involved in criminal activity or residing with fraudulent documents
Authorities have underlined that enforcement is directed at willful violators of immigration regulations, not genuine applicants in legal status.
Punjabi Youth Most Affected
The crackdown has caused panic within the Punjabi community, many of whom arrived in Canada as international students or on temporary work permits. A significant number of them are now facing deportation after permits expired or asylum claims were rejected.
“Nearly 88% of those facing deportation are failed asylum seekers who used weak or fabricated narratives to gain temporary protection,” said Parvinder Singh Montu, an immigration expert based in Canada.
Many of these youth now find themselves in legal limbo, unsure of their future and fearful of arrest.
Students and Tourists Under the Scanner
The CBSA’s net also extends to:
- International students who have dropped out or failed to maintain academic standing
- Tourist visa holders who never left Canada after their visas expired
- Even permanent residents connected to criminal offenses are reportedly under review
Deportation is Costly, and Closing Doors
Those deported will face high financial and legal hurdles if they ever wish to return to Canada:
- Standard deportation cost: 3,800 CAD
- Deportation with security escort: 12,800 CAD
All deportees must repay these costs to the government before becoming eligible to apply for future visas.
Alarming Rise in Fake Asylum Claims
According to Pooja, Managing Director of New Image Immigration Consultancy, the number of asylum claims surged past 20,000 in 2024, with over 98% deemed fraudulent—a 615% increase from 2019.
“The spike in fake claims has overloaded the immigration system,” she said. “The government is fast-tracking decisions to free up resources and protect policy integrity.”
Legal Advice Urged
As CBSA enforcement actions intensify, immigration experts are urging undocumented individuals and those in questionable status to seek immediate legal counsel, avoid fake claims, and refrain from overstaying their visas.
With arrests, detentions, and deportations now on the rise, the crackdown has become a wake-up call for many, especially for Punjabi youth who once saw Canada as a land of opportunity, but now fear losing everything.
For those affected or seeking legal support, it is advised to consult licensed immigration lawyers or registered consultants without delay.
