A group of twelve individuals engaged in a lengthy international student demonstration in northeast Calgary have been identified as potentially ineligible to remain in Canada, as per an immigration attorney, indicating the possibility of them being compelled to depart the country. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) confirmed that its officers were summoned to the protest location on Wednesday to verify the immigration statuses of participants. Among the twenty individuals whose statuses were inspected, twelve were flagged as potentially inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The CBSA representative mentioned that these individuals were requested to visit the CBSA office for a follow-up interview on the same day but refrained from providing further details citing privacy regulations. The agency emphasized that individuals facing immigration enforcement measures, including removal orders, are entitled to due process under the law.

The protest, consisting of international graduates and allies, was held near the Genesis Centre at Saddletowne Circle to highlight concerns regarding work permits. A parallel demonstration is taking place in Edmonton, where Alberta students are engaging in hunger strikes to raise awareness on the issue. Some graduates from Portage College expressed disappointment after being denied post-graduation work permits, despite believing they met the criteria for eligibility. Portage College is seeking clarification from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on the matter. IRCC clarified that students commencing studies before May 2024 are unaffected by the changes, and the refusals are linked to specific agreements regarding eligible study programs leading to degrees or certificates, advising students to verify program eligibility before applying.

In response to complaints of disturbances during the ongoing protest, the Calgary Police Service sought assistance from the CBSA. The police stated that while the demonstration had been largely peaceful, they received reports of noise disturbances, obstruction of businesses, and public intoxication. Following an incident where individuals were obstructing sidewalks and impeding pedestrians, officers requested identification, leading to a call to the CBSA for verification. Initially summoned to verify the status of four individuals, the CBSA expanded its check due to two individuals found non-compliant with their immigration status.

Jatin Shory, an immigration attorney representing approximately twelve students challenging their work permit denials in court, cautioned against participating in public protests. He highlighted the uniqueness of the situation, describing it as a large group of individuals openly acknowledging their undocumented status. Shory suggested that the CBSA’s actions were likely intended to convey a message about the changing landscape of immigration in Canada. While the outcomes of the interviews with the twelve individuals remain undisclosed, Shory indicated that receiving an exclusion order following an interview is a common procedure for those without status in Canada. An exclusion order mandates immediate departure from Canada, confirmation of departure with the CBSA, and forbids re-entry for a year, with limited success rates in challenging such orders.