By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
International students in Chatham-Kent are expressing concerns over recent federal immigration policy changes that have left thousands of international graduates at risk of deportation. These changes have created uncertainty for many students about their future in Canada.
“I’ve invested so much in my education here, and now it feels like everything is at risk,” said Rajesh Kumar, an Indian student attending a local community college in Chatham-Kent region. “The new policy changes have created a lot of fear among us. We came here with dreams of building a better life, but now we’re not sure if we’ll even be allowed to stay.”
The changes, aimed at reducing permanent residency nominations and limiting study permits, have sparked concern across the country. Protests by Indian students in front of legislative assemblies have been reported in several provinces. In Chatham-Kent, home to a significant number of international students, feelings of anxiety and frustration are prevalent.
“It’s really disheartening,” said Nkechi Okeke, a Nigerian student at the same community college. “I’ve been working hard, paying my tuition, and contributing to the community. But now, with the possibility of work permits being denied, especially in areas with high unemployment, I don’t know what my future holds.”
Another Nigerian student, Ifeanyi Chukwu, also living in Chatham-Kent, echoed these concerns. “We came to Canada hoping to find opportunities, but these new policies are making it difficult. It’s not just about us; it’s about our families and their sacrifices for us to be here.”
The federal government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is under pressure to address the country’s housing and jobs crisis. The new policies, including restrictions on temporary foreign workers and reducing the temporary resident population, are part of the government’s efforts to manage the rapid population growth driven by immigration.
“We understand the challenges Canada is facing,” Okeke added, “but targeting international students who are contributing to the economy doesn’t seem fair. We hope the government will reconsider these policies and find a way to support us as we work towards our goals.”
As the debate over immigration policies continues, international students in Chatham-Kent remain in limbo, uncertain about what the future holds for them in the country they now call home.
“I’ve always believed Canada was the place where I could pursue my dreams and build a secure future,” said Priya Sharma, an Indian student studying at a college in Chatham-Kent. “But now, with these sudden changes, it feels like everything I’ve worked for is slipping away. It’s not just about education but our lives and the uncertainty we’re all facing.”
The recent immigration policy changes have cast doubt on the future of over 70,000 student graduates. The new policies aim to cut permanent residency nominations by 25 per cent and impose restrictions on study permits. The government is also scaling back the intake of temporary foreign workers, reversing its 2022 decision to expand the program to address labour shortages.
