June 13, 2023
Hon. Sean Fraser
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Re: Stop deportation of Indian students issued visas
Dear Minister Fraser,
I’m writing to you concerning the more than 700 Indian international students now at risk of deportation because of your government’s incompetence and mismanagement.
These international students came to Canada in good faith to study and become part of the
Canadian family. They followed the rules, they studied, they worked, and most of them completed their programs. Unfortunately, these vulnerable students were taken advantage of by greedy and dishonest consultants who issued them fraudulent college acceptance letters during the visa application process. Your government failed to detect the fraud, allowed them to begin their studies and lives in Canada, then came back years later, threatening to deport them as a result of your own mistake. If they are forced to return, many will face poverty and bankruptcy. This is unacceptable.
Today I am calling on you to show compassion and common sense with a long-term stay on deportation orders for all the affected students while their individual cases are investigated. During that time, they should be granted interim work and study permits. All not found to have acted in bad faith should be allowed to stay and apply for permanent residency. You must immediately stop making the mistakes that caused this mess, and from now on, contact universities or colleges to confirm that acceptance letters are authentic before student visas are offered.
These students are victims of fraud and your government’s broken immigration system. They should be dealt with compassionately and given a chance to pursue the Canadian Dream. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, P.C., M.P
Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada
