Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has formally expressed his apprehensions regarding a significant uptick in asylum claims filed by international students. In a letter addressed to John Murray, President and CEO of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), Miller highlighted potential abuses within the immigration system that threaten its integrity.
My letter to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants related to the growing number of international students claiming asylum in Canada and potentially unethical advice being given by some of its members. pic.twitter.com/XUqYw0FIPm
— Marc Miller ᐅᑭᒫᐃᐧᐅᓃᐸᐄᐧᐤᐃᔨᐣ (@MarcMillerVM) November 14, 2024
The letter, made public on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, detailed reports indicating that some international students are receiving guidance from third-party entities to provide false information in their asylum applications. “Canada is dedicated to aiding individuals in need of protection. However, counselling asylum seekers to misrepresent themselves to remain in Canada or seek permanent residence would be contrary to the objectives of Canada’s immigration system,” Miller stated.
Miller emphasized that any involvement of licensed immigration consultants in such deceptive practices would breach the professional code of conduct upheld by the CICC. This regulatory body is responsible for licensing and overseeing Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants and Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors, ensuring that they adhere to ethical standards.
Recent statistics underscore the gravity of the situation. According to The Globe and Mail, international students submitted 13,660 asylum claims by September 30 this year, a rise from approximately 12,000 in the previous year and a stark increase from just 1,810 claims in 2018. This surge has prompted heightened scrutiny from immigration authorities and policymakers alike.
A notable portion of these asylum claims originate from Indian nationals. By September 30, individuals from India accounted for 24,380 of the 132,525 total asylum claims. In comparison, last year saw 11,260 claims from Indians out of 143,365 total, and in 2015, the number was merely 380 out of 160,500. This dramatic increase has raised concerns both domestically and internationally.
The Indian government has voiced its apprehensions, suggesting that pro-Khalistan factions may be exploiting the Canadian asylum system. In September, an Indian official informed HT about a growing trend of young people participating in pro-Khalistan protests outside Indian missions in Canada. These individuals are reportedly taking selfies during the protests and departing shortly afterward, indicating possible orchestrated efforts to influence asylum statistics.
Miller’s letter serves as a stern warning to the CICC and its members. Should any licensed immigration consultants be found complicit in advising applicants to misrepresent their circumstances, they would face severe repercussions, including the potential loss of their licenses and professional standing.
The Canadian government remains committed to upholding the principles of fairness and integrity within its immigration system. While Canada continues to provide refuge to those genuinely in need, ensuring that the asylum process is not exploited is paramount to maintaining public trust and national security.
As investigations continue, the interplay between immigration policies, international relations, and domestic security measures will remain a focal point for stakeholders across the spectrum. The government’s proactive stance signals its dedication to safeguarding the immigration system against fraudulent activities while continuing its humanitarian mission.
