Indian Students in Canada's PEI Plan Blackout Protest on June 19

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Key Takeaways:

Indian students in PEI plan a blackout protest on June 19 against immigration policy changes potentially leading to deportation.
The protest aims to highlight affected individuals’ real numbers ahead of the crucial Provincial Nominee Program draw on June 20.
Community support includes joining the protest, spreading awareness, providing resources, and contacting local representatives to advocate for policy change.

Why Are Indian Students in Canada PEI Planning a Blackout Protest?

Indian students in Canada’s Prince Edward Island (PEI) are gearing up for a significant blackout protest on June 19. This demonstration is part of their ongoing struggle against recent immigration policy changes that could lead to their deportation. Previously, these students engaged in a hunger strike from May 24, pausing it temporarily on June 1.

Indian Students in Canada's PEI Plan Blackout Protest on June 19

What Led to the Blackout Protest on June 19?

According to protest leader Rupinder Pal Singh, “We are organising another big blackout, and we want all our people to join us on June 19. All communities, Islanders, please come outside your homes. It’s a nice day, and we want to send the right message in the right way because there is another draw on June 20.”

The goal of this demonstration is clear: to show the real numbers and the real faces of those affected by the immigration policy changes. Singh emphasized, “Let’s show them real numbers and real faces to demonstrate how many people are affected. If we can gather around 1,000 people on that day, they will understand their mistake and realise it is the right time to make things right.”

This is a strategic move ahead of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw set for June 20. The PNP is crucial for many as it allows workers with the necessary skills, education, and work experience to become permanent residents in Canada. For more information, you can visit the official Government of Canada website.

Why Are Indian Students Protesting in PEI Since May 9?

The Indian students began their protest against deportation policies on May 9 in Charlottetown, specifically in front of the George Coles Building where the PEI Legislature is located. Many of these students started a hunger strike on May 24 to further the impact of their protest. Unfortunately, the hunger strike took a toll on their health, causing some participants to faint.

The policy changes these students are protesting against have made it harder for those working in sales and service roles to be nominated for permanent residency by the province—even those who are already employed on the Island. This shift is particularly disheartening for recent graduates from Canadian universities or colleges, who had initially come to PEI on open work permits valid for three years. They chose PEI because it was perceived as a straightforward route to permanent residency, which is the first step toward Canadian citizenship.

How Can the Community Support the Indian Students in PEI?

Support from the local community can be invaluable for these students. Here are some ways Islanders and other community members can show their support:

Join the Blackout Protest: On June 19, step outside your homes and join the protest to add numbers to their cause.
Spread Awareness: Use social media platforms to increase awareness about the students’ struggles and the impact of the policy changes.
Offer Resources: Providing water, food, and other resources can help the students maintain their resilience during ongoing protests.
Contact Local Representatives: Calling or writing to local government representatives to voice your support can add political pressure to address the issue.

These protests highlight significant concerns regarding the pathway to permanent residency for international students in Canada. By standing in solidarity on June 19, the community can help amplify their message and push for urgently needed changes.

Understanding the nuances of immigration policies and their real-world impacts can be complex. For more detailed information on provincial immigration policies and the Provincial Nominee Program, refer to the official Government of Canada website.

This protest represents a vital effort by Indian students in PEI to secure their future and continue their journey toward becoming a permanent part of the Canadian fabric. Their resilience and community support will be crucial in making their voices heard.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Key Immigration Terms

Blackout Protest: A form of demonstration where participants gather and symbolically turn off lights or power to draw attention to a specific cause or issue. In this context, it refers to the June 19 protest by Indian students in PEI to oppose immigration policy changes.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): A Canadian immigration program that allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who possess the skills, education, and work experience needed to contribute to the economy of that specific province or territory. Success in this program often leads to permanent residency.
Permanent Residency (PR): The status granted to immigrants who have been allowed to live and work in Canada indefinitely. Permanent residents enjoy many of the same rights as citizens but are not able to vote in federal elections or hold certain government positions.
Open Work Permit: A type of work permit issued by the Canadian government that allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada, with few exceptions. This permit is often granted to international students upon graduation and is typically valid for three years.
Deportation: The process of formally removing a person from a country for violating immigration laws or other legal grounds. In this context, Indian students are protesting to prevent their potential deportation due to recent policy changes affecting their eligibility for permanent residency.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Indian students in PEI are planning a blackout protest on June 19 against immigration policy changes that could lead to deportation. They seek community support to demonstrate in numbers, emphasizing the policies’ impact. This follows a hunger strike that started on May 24 and was paused on June 1.
— By VisaVerge.com

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