Recent months have witnessed a troubling trend among some young, temporary residents from India who are facing deportation from Canada. Desperate to remain in the country, many of these individuals are turning to a controversial and cynical tactic: participating in pro-Khalistan protests to bolster their refugee claims. The numbers are rising, and this new phenomenon speaks volumes about the consequences of Canada’s immigration policy and the exploitation of separatist sentiments for personal gain.
These protests, often small in number but highly visible, are organized by proponents of the Khalistan extremist movement. For years, the movement has struggled for relevance, particularly within India, where it has almost no public support. However, some Indian youth in Canada have found a new use for the Khalistan cause: it serves as a convenient banner under which they can claim political persecution and file for asylum, hoping to escape deportation and secure permanent residency.
The rise in this trend is being driven by two interconnected factors: changes in Canada’s immigration policy and the economic precarity faced by many temporary foreign workers and international students. In March of this year, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced its intent to curb the intake of non-permanent residents, aiming to reduce their share of the population over the next three years. With tighter restrictions, many foreign workers and students find themselves vulnerable to deportation, and some are grasping at any available opportunity to stay, even if it means exploiting political causes they may have little genuine connection to.
Mass legal immigration is harming youth employment in Canada and depressing wages:
— U.S. Tech Workers (@USTechWorkers) August 16, 2024
“Entry-level jobs for students and recent graduates are much harder to find as the economy weakens, yet the country has also imported hundreds of thousands of temporary foreign workers for jobs…” pic.twitter.com/id5NGumWHv
Several immigration firms have reportedly advised these students—most of whom face deportation due to expired work permits or rejected residency applications—to attend Khalistan rallies and take selfies as proof of their participation. These images can then be used as evidence when filing refugee claims, with the argument being that their activism would lead to persecution if they were sent back to India. While such claims might sound plausible on paper, the reality is that they often lack substance when they come before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). In 2024 alone, over 16,000 asylum claims have been made, a 50% increase compared to the entirety of 2023. However, success rates remain dismal: of the 15,298 cases referred to the IRB this year, only 1,078 have been accepted. Many of these claims are recognized as strategic maneuvers rather than legitimate pleas for refuge.
The cynicism of this approach becomes even more evident when one considers the lack of real consequences for those who play this “Khalistan card.” Despite claiming that they fear persecution in India, these same individuals often have no trouble renewing their Indian passports. In some cases, after obtaining Canadian citizenship, they even apply for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, allowing them to travel freely back to the country they claimed was dangerous. This undermines the credibility of genuine refugee claims and taints the asylum process as a whole.
For Canada, this situation presents a complex challenge. On one hand, the country prides itself on being a haven for refugees and immigrants, welcoming individuals fleeing persecution with open arms. But on the other, the system cannot be blind to exploitation. Immigration policy reforms, like the recent restrictions on non-permanent residents, may have inadvertently pushed more individuals toward extreme measures. For many international students and temporary foreign workers, the stakes are high: deportation means returning to a country where economic opportunities may be scarce, especially after years of investing time and money in Canada.
If I was a guest in one of their Countries I wouldn’t dare pull this stunt. “Stop being racist” signs is ignorant & insulting, “fix your system don’t blame us” … excuse me? It’s amazing how quickly these individuals learned entitlement in such a short time. pic.twitter.com/J9MYHKnXT9
— Ryan Gerritsen🇨🇦🇳🇱 (@ryangerritsen) August 30, 2024
But even more troubling is the way in which the Khalistan movement has been appropriated as a tool in this process. The movement, which has historically been marked by violent extremism in some cases, does not reflect the aspirations of the majority of Sikhs, either in India or in Canada. By falsely claiming persecution under the Khalistan banner, these individuals risk inflaming tensions between the Indian diaspora and their host country while trivializing the genuine struggles of those who seek asylum from real threats.
The Canadian government needs to take note of this growing trend and act decisively to close the loopholes that allow such exploitation. Refugee claims must be rigorously scrutinized, and the system must distinguish between those who are genuinely persecuted and those who are manipulating the process for personal gain. Furthermore, the underlying causes that drive these individuals to desperate measures—chiefly, the lack of clear and sustainable pathways to permanent residency for international students and foreign workers—must be addressed.
The rise of Khalistan-linked asylum claims is a symptom of deeper issues within Canada’s immigration system. By addressing these root causes, Canada can protect its tradition of providing refuge for the persecuted, while ensuring that its policies are not misused by those seeking to game the system. As we look to the future, it is vital to strike a balance between compassion and accountability in our immigration policies, ensuring that the doors to Canada remain open to those who need them most while closing off avenues for exploitation.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Khalsa Vox or its members.
