Migrants continue to push for permanent resident status thru regularization

Migrants continue to push for permanent resident status thru regularization

TORONTO— It has been a year to date, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last December 16, 2021, the creation of a regularization program for Canada’s migrants towards permanent residency, migrant organizations recall.

Statements urging the Canadian government to push through with this promise are being issued by immigrant organizations nationwide, especially with the forthcoming International Migrants Day Dec. 18.

The Migrant Rights Network, for instance, has made a call for a campaign for mass emails to politicians to work on the program, as well as for its members to join mass protests against deportations to be held starting Dec. 16, covering some cities in Ontario, New Brunswick, Montreal, British Columbia, and Alberta. Schedules of activities in specific cities have been posted on its website.

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser

There is also a call to follow up on Immigration Minister Sean Fraser on his announcement to create a new work permit program for spouses and working aged children of migrants starting in January 2023.

MRN is also pushing for the group of 14 Ministers formed to start working on a comprehensive regularization program towards granting permanent resident status for all migrant workers, estimated at 1.7 million people.

A statement posted Dec. 1 on its online site, MRN says:

“14 federal Ministers in the Cabinet Committee on Economy, Inclusion and Climate “B” are set to debate regularization – permanent resident status for undocumented people – sometime in December. They will decide who and how many people will be included, before sending their proposal to all Ministers (the whole of Cabinet) early next year.

“We need these 14 Ministers – and especially Prime Minister Trudeau – to support an uncapped program through which all undocumented people and their families can apply for permanent residency immediately. We need them to oppose any exclusions, or a program that gives just temporary status. And we need them to support permanent resident status for all 1.7 million migrants.

Clarizze Truscott, Migrante Canada Vice Chair

Meanwhile, Migrante Canada, one of MRN’s member organizations, issued this statement thru Clarizze Truscott, Migrante Canada Vice Chair:

“On International Migrants Day it’s important to highlight and recognize the contributions of migrant workers across Canada. Many work in low wage jobs in seasonal agriculture, restaurant industry, healthcare, in cleaning services, and caring for the elderly and Canadian children. All are essential jobs that kept the economy going specially during the pandemic.

“And yet so many are in precarious status with only temporary permits or undocumented without access to healthcare, or basic government support. If the Canadian government truly cares about migrant workers then grant them permanent immigration status. Thus giving them the same rights and protection as any other worker in Canada.

“Thru Regularization, grant permanent status to the 500,000 undocumented migrants who for decades lived, worked, paid taxes and contributed to Canada’s economy for years. It’s the right thing to do! — M.A.G.