Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller has already declared the Federal government’s plan to develop a new pathway, specifically for undocumented immigrants. Notably, such immigrants have been residing and working in Canada for several years, aiming to acquire permanent residency and, ultimately, Canadian citizenship.
Such an initiative showcases Canada’s dedication to inclusivity and acknowledges the invaluable contributions of undocumented workers to the economy and society. Continue reading this blog to learn more about the implications of the citizenship pathway for undocumented workers.
Policy Evolution: A Deeper Dive
An undocumented migrant can be defined as someone not authorized to reside and work in Canada. The majority of individuals transition into undocumented status due to non-compliance with eligibility criteria for established immigration programs after legally entering the country, often by exceeding the authorized period of stay.
These undocumented workers have been contributing to the Canadian economy for years, raising their families in the country, still struggling with the dangerous threat of deportation due to their lack of formal immigration status. Thus, the Canadian Government plans to propose a policy to the cabinet that allows immigrants to apply for permanent residency in Canada without requiring valid documents.
This group includes those individuals who entered the country as temporary workers or international students and overstayed their visits after the expiry of their legal status. In addition to this, the announcement also highlights Canada’s ambitious immigration goals, aiming to bring in 500,000 immigrants a year by 2025. The country’s population has significantly increased due to such immigrants, contributing to its economic growth.
However, Minister Miller’s proposal does not demonstrate that all the undocumented workers lacking documentation will automatically become eligible for Canadian citizenship. Instead, such a proposal will be tailored for individuals who have already resided in Canada with their children, actively contributing to the economy. Furthermore, the government aims to focus on construction workers living and working in Canada without legal status. Such a measure is developed to address Canada’s shortage of skilled workers for constructing homes, recognizing the indispensable role immigrants play in sectors like construction and healthcare.
Initiatives Addressing Undocumented Workers: Past and Present Efforts
The Canadian government has previously addressed issues concerning undocumented workers, and several programs have been introduced in the past for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTA) to highlight the economic contributions of construction workers and to address the vulnerabilities that accompany a lost status.
The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has been actively collaborating with IRCC to facilitate the processing of a minimum of 500 additional permanent residency (PR) applications for out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Such effort falls under the new Subsequent Temporary Public Policy designed to maintain accessibility to Permanent Resident Status for out-of-status construction workers in the GTA in 2023.
Conclusion
Canada’s initiative demonstrates its inclusivity and the acknowledgment of the invaluable contributions of undocumented workers to the economy and society. With the help of such an initiative, the government will allow immigrants to apply for permanent residency in Canada without requiring valid documents. In navigating this new pathway, the expertise of Citizenship Lawyer becomes exceptionally crucial. With a proven track record in navigating the legal complexities of the citizenship application process, we can help you apply for Canadian citizenship. Get in touch with us today and allow us to assist you in streamlining the entire process for your convenience.
