Minister Raises Concern Over Sharp Rise in Asylum Applications from International Students

September 23, 2024 TruthUSA

The rise in international students seeking asylum in Canada after arriving on student visas has become concerning according to Immigration Minister Marc Miller.

Marc Miller stated during an interview on Global’s The West Block with Mercedes Stephenson on Sept. 22 that applicants are using the international student program as a means to enter Canada through the “backdoor” and reduce their tuition costs.

Miller mentioned that his department is currently investigating the issue and exploring potential reforms to the program.

This concern arose following the Sept. 4 arrest of Muhammad Shahzeb Khan for allegedly planning a mass shooting in New York in support of the Islamic State. Khan, who entered Canada in June 2023 on a student visa, was apprehended by the RCMP in Ormstown, Que.

Miller could not comment specifically on Khan’s case due to it being before the courts, but he did highlight the increasing number of international students seeking asylum.

Miller expressed concern over the trend of international students quickly seeking asylum within their first year in Canada, often for reasons related to reducing tuition fees to match Canadian rates.

According to Statistics Canada, Canadian graduate and undergraduate students pay significantly less in tuition compared to international students.

International Student Cap

To address these issues, the Canadian government announced a plan to reduce the number of international student permits by 10% in 2025, with the aim of decreasing the strain on housing supply due to rapid population growth.

The new target for international student permits is set at 437,000 for 2025 and 2026, down from the 485,000 permits issued in 2024, as Immigration Canada announced on Sept. 18.

The government’s goal is to lower the percentage of temporary residents in Canada from 6.5% to 5% by 2026. Miller emphasized the importance of universities and colleges enacting stricter recruiting and admission practices to filter out individuals with questionable motives.

Miller underscored the need for the international student visa program to focus on excellence rather than being exploited as a means to enter Canada illegally.

Security Screening

Miller addressed Canada’s security screening systems in light of recent incidents involving alleged terrorist activities. He acknowledged the importance of constantly evolving security measures to counter threats effectively.

Miller indicated that a review of approved entries for individuals involved in suspected terrorist activities will be conducted, aiming to identify and rectify any deficiencies in the system.

While challenges persist, Miller emphasized the need for ongoing diligence to safeguard Canada from individuals with malicious intentions.

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