Canada Suspends Political Asylum Program - Will Affect Punjabi Immigrants
Under increasing criticism from india, which has accused canada of harboring criminals under the guise of giving them sanctuary, canada declared that it will suspend its open-door policy for political asylum applicants. With tensions between india and canada at an all-time high after the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year, Trudeau's administration took the momentous move.
According to news media, new asylum applications will no longer be accepted after november 29 and those that are approved will be closely examined.
Given that the bulk of asylum seekers in canada are from Punjab, this decision—which was inspired by India's strong position on suppressing separatist elements—is anticipated to have a substantial impact on the state.
According to news media, new asylum applications will no longer be accepted after november 29 and those that are approved will be closely examined.
Given that the bulk of asylum seekers in canada are from Punjab, this decision—which was inspired by India's strong position on suppressing separatist elements—is anticipated to have a substantial impact on the state.
Canada Suspends Private Sponsorship Program
New applications from community sponsors and groups of five under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program have been temporarily suspended by the Canadian government. The delay, which will last until december 31, 2025, is intended to provide local sponsors and arriving migrants more certainty. Applications for resettlement will only be taken into consideration if they are submitted before november 29.
23,000 privately sponsored migrants are expected to be settled in canada by 2025, however, applications will need to be thoroughly verified. This year, there were 14,000 asylum applicants in canada in September, up from 13,000 in August.
23,000 privately sponsored migrants are expected to be settled in canada by 2025, however, applications will need to be thoroughly verified. This year, there were 14,000 asylum applicants in canada in September, up from 13,000 in August.
Concerns Over Misuse of Asylum System
The growing number of foreign students applying for political asylum soon after arriving in canada has recently alarmed Marc Miller, Canada's immigration minister. He blamed the increase in "fraudulent asylum claims" on immoral counsel from immigration consultants, who frequently persuade students to take advantage of the system to make money. Many claims are based on financial difficulties, including not being able to pay tuition, rather than having valid justifications.
Miller called on Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship canada (IRCC) to look into the activities of licensed consultants to stop more abuse of the asylum procedure.
Miller called on Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship canada (IRCC) to look into the activities of licensed consultants to stop more abuse of the asylum procedure.
Punjab's youth Facing the Brunt
Punjabi youth, many of whom have been applying for political asylum in canada, would be significantly impacted by this policy change. More than 30,000 tourists and students have applied for refuge in canada this year alone, according to Sukhwinder Nanda, secretary of the Association of Consultants for Overseas Studies. Obtaining permanent residence under whatever pretense is their main objective.
Every year, almost 1.75 lakh punjabi students enter canada on study visas; however, many of them then turn to refugee claims when they are there.
Every year, almost 1.75 lakh punjabi students enter canada on study visas; however, many of them then turn to refugee claims when they are there.