A group of individuals involved in a prolonged international student protest in northeast Calgary are facing potential immigration issues and may be required to depart Canada, as indicated by an immigration attorney. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) conducted status checks on attendees at the protest location, identifying 12 individuals who could be inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act out of the 20 verified by officers.

The CBSA spokesperson mentioned that the flagged individuals were requested to appear at the CBSA office for further interviews the same day, with no additional details disclosed due to privacy regulations. The agency emphasized that individuals subject to immigration enforcement have the right to due process under the law.

The protest, led by international graduates advocating for work permit concerns, took place near the Genesis Centre at Saddletowne Circle for several weeks. Similar demonstrations are also occurring in Edmonton, with Alberta students engaging in hunger strikes to raise awareness on the issue.

Some graduates from Portage College expressed disappointment after being denied post-graduation work permits they believed they were eligible for upon completing their studies. Portage College is seeking clarification from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding the situation.

Calgary Police Service sought assistance from CBSA following complaints about noise, business obstruction, disturbances, and public intoxication related to the ongoing protest. Officers identified individuals setting up unauthorized structures and requested identification, leading to a broader check by CBSA officials.

An immigration lawyer representing a group of students challenging work permit refusals advised against participating in public protests, highlighting the vulnerability of undocumented individuals. The CBSA’s actions may signal a shift in Canada’s immigration enforcement approach, according to the lawyer.

While the outcome of the interviews with the 12 individuals remains undisclosed, it is common for those without status in Canada to receive exclusion orders following CBSA interviews, mandating immediate departure and a one-year ban on reentry. Legal options to contest the order exist but are challenging to succeed in, potentially resulting in enforced removal within a short timeframe.