Canada set to legalize hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants
It's all about those who have been living and working undocumented for years.
Canada is determined to tackle the problem of undocumented migrants in the new year — but not in the way you might think. Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Ottawa is already developing a legalization program for those who have been living and working in the country for years.
Miller said in an interview that he is personally working on a "broad and comprehensive program" that would allow many people without valid documents to apply for permanent residency. These are mostly those who entered Canada legally as temporary workers or international students and then stayed after their visas expired.
The minister plans to present the finished strategy to his department in the spring of 2024, but he is already prepared to face opposition to such an idea:
"The conversation on regularizing people that are here, and by my estimation – my belief – should be Canadian, is not one that’s unanimous in the country."
Miller's plan
The ministry estimates that between 300,000 and 600,000 people are currently living in the country without valid documents. Many have been working in Canada for decades and have children, but also have a risk of deportation because of their lack of official status. It is these people who will be the primary beneficiaries of the new project. It will not affect those who have only recently entered the country.
Miller gives first priority to those illegal immigrants who have an in-demand profession. In the near future, he wants to launch a program that would allow construction workers living in Canada without legal status to apply for residency. The minister is convinced that this should help solve the shortage of skilled workers who can build homes. By his logic, it is absurd to expel in-demand professionals who have already adapted to life in Canada, given the labor shortage in some sectors.
At the same time, Miller understands how some immigrants who came to Canada legally may feel about people who they feel "got a pass." However, he still considers his decision to be the optimal one:
"These are people that are already here, already contributing and have kids. People do get worked up about numbers, but the reality is that they are already here."
Canada's immigration policy
The Minister also commented on the success of Canada's migration policy. Despite various unavoidable challenges, the government's strategy is supported by residents and welcomed abroad.
Comparing Canada to other countries, Miller expressed concern about the global trend of right-wing populist support. He cited France, Germany and Hungary, where extreme openness has sparked sharp resistance and a wave of support for right-wing politicians. This is not the future Miller would wish for Canada:
"I think the last thing we need as a country is a prominent leader to say something idiotic, or weaponize the issue of immigrants and make it into a campaign slogan."
What is there now for illegal immigrants?
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Miller's idea is not new to Canada. A corresponding immigration pilot already exists — but only in the Greater Toronto Area. And it deals specifically with workers in the construction sector.
The permanent residency program for non-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area was launched on January 2, 2020. It was originally intended to have a quota of 500 people, but that number increased to 1,000 per year in January 2023. At that time, the pilot was also extended to January 2, 2024.
