Canada is facing one of the most complex dilemmas in its immigration history: what to do with thousands of people who find themselves “without status” on its territory?
The challenge is not only legal but also tied to economic and humanitarian commitments.
Let’s break it down—why are there so many?
"Without status" refers to individuals who:
- Remained in Canada after their visas expired.
- Worked without authorization.
- Failed to meet the conditions of their stay.
Currently, around 215,000 people in Canada have deportation orders.
Of these:
- 120,000 are awaiting decisions or further actions (applicants who have applied for asylum and are waiting for review, as well as applicants in the PRRA program).
- 40,000 have ignored deportation procedures.
- 55,000 have received deferrals due to humanitarian or legal reasons (e.g., cases in Federal Court, inability to leave Canada due to health issues, or countries currently deemed unsafe for deportation).
All this is happening against a backdrop where only 5,300 deportations were carried out in 2023—a negligible number compared to the scale of the issue.
Why aren’t they being deported?
- Humanitarian Commitments:
Canada respects human rights. For example, protecting children: in 2023, 167 humanitarian permits were issued to families with children to prevent separation.
Family reunification policies often allow people to remain despite their status violations. - Economic Factors:
Undocumented workers form a significant portion of the labor force in industries like agriculture (20% of workers), contributing $7.5 billion annually to the economy.
The estimated cost of deporting one person ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, excluding legal expenses. - Legal Barriers:
Deportation appeals can take years, creating additional challenges.
What does public opinion say about this? In 2024, 2,500 undocumented workers took to the streets of Toronto demanding legalization, arguing their labor is essential to Canada. According to polls, 56% of Canadians support amnesty for such workers, reflecting a shift toward a more lenient public stance on the issue.
What can be done?
Potential solutions include:
- Temporary Status Programs: In 2023, Canada issued 2,400 such permits.
- Legalization: In 1973, Canada legalized 39,000 undocumented residents. It may be time to repeat this experience.
- Regional PR Programs: These could help not only legalize undocumented residents but also repopulate rural areas experiencing labor shortages.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller acknowledged that the system requires reform:
"We must manage our borders while remembering our humanity. Every case deserves careful consideration."
As Canada balances economic pragmatism, public opinion, and the rule of law, the solution remains complex and multifaceted.
The question is, what path will the country choose: mass deportations or a more compassionate approach?
This debate is far from over. Significant changes in immigration policy may lie ahead, reflecting not only Canadian law but also its values as a country committed to human rights.
Oleksandra Melnykova, Immigration and Refugee Consultant in Canada.
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