In a momentous decision, Canada is gearing up to launch an extensive program that will empower undocumented individuals to apply for permanent residency, a move revealed by Immigration Minister Marc Miller. This groundbreaking initiative is in line with Ottawa’s ambitious immigration targets, projecting the admission of approximately 465,000 immigrants in 2023, 485,000 in 2024, and 500,000 in 2025, with no further increases expected thereafter.
Undocumented Population Estimates
Miller disclosed that an estimated 300,000 to 600,000 individuals currently reside in Canada without valid documentation, placing them at risk of deportation. The proposed program extends its scope to individuals who initially entered Canada legally but have overstayed their visas. It’s crucial to note that not all individuals lacking valid documents will be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
Procedural Outlook
The formal submission of the policy change plan to the cabinet is anticipated in the spring, as reported by the Globe and Mail. An undocumented migrant, in this context, is someone lacking authorization to reside and/or work in Canada. Many find themselves in this situation due to the inability to meet eligibility criteria for existing immigration programs after entering the country legally and subsequently overstaying the authorized period.
The Demographics of Undocumented Status
Remarkably, only a small fraction of undocumented migrants are those who have unlawfully entered or been trafficked/smuggled into Canada. This initiative is not the first attempt by Ottawa to address this issue. On November 18 of the previous year, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a notice expressing commitment to implementing an initiative that regularizes individuals without immigration status who have been contributing to Canadian communities.
Policy Development Process
The IRCC stated, “To deliver on this mandate letter commitment, we are reviewing previous regularization programs in Canada, pathways put in place in other countries, and academic research. We are also meeting with stakeholders to obtain their perspectives. Based on this work, we will develop options, consult provinces and territories, and come forward with plans to inform a future initiative.”
Previous Programs for Out-of-Status Workers
Historically, several programs have been introduced for out-of-status workers. For instance, the Temporary Public Policy for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTA) was launched to acknowledge the economic contributions of construction workers and address vulnerabilities associated with lost status.
Labor Congress and IRCC Efforts
In 2023, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) collaborated with the IRCC to process at least 500 additional permanent residence applications for out-of-status construction workers in the GTA under the new Subsequent Temporary Public Policy. This policy aims to continue facilitating access to permanent resident status for out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area in 2023.
The Guardian Angels Temporary Public Policy
Another notable program, the Guardian Angels temporary public policy, was introduced during the pandemic. Its primary objective was to establish a permanent residence pathway for pending and failed refugee claimants working in direct patient care, along with their families.
A Comprehensive Approach to Immigration
As Canada forges ahead with these initiatives, it underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the complex issue of undocumented individuals while recognizing their contributions to Canadian society. The forthcoming program represents a significant step toward inclusivity and regularization, aligning with broader immigration goals and fostering a more comprehensive and compassionate approach to immigration policies.