Students unite against unjust deportation in the face of an admission scam, exposing flaws in immigration policies, hope for a positive resolution.
In the last week, twelve students from Punjab have been protesting against the Canadian government’s decision to deport them. They fell victim to a fake admission scam orchestrated by an education consultant named Brajesh Mishra from Jalandhar. These students received manipulated admission letters, obtained visas, and traveled to Canada. However, unknown of the admission scam upon arrival, they were told they couldn’t enroll in the specified college and were shifted to other institutions.
Some managed to complete their education and secure work permits. Trouble arose when they applied for permanent residence, and around 700 students faced deportation due to fake admission letters. The students argue that despite having good academic records and passing the IELTS exam, they were wrongly targeted.
An independent tribunal supported the deportation recommendation, while Brajesh Mishra remains at large. Legal action was taken against him in India, leading to the cancellation of his firm’s license.
One student, Balbir Singh, shared his story of being scammed and emphasized their genuine documents and contributions to Canada’s economy. His friend, Lovepreet Singh, faced deportation due to an agent not paying his fees. Many students, like Balbir, were redirected to different colleges by the consultant.
Inderjit Singh Aulakh, another student, expressed frustration over the delay in obtaining permanent residency. Despite working, he fears the unknown. The students started protesting on May 28, thankful for support from the Punjabi community.
Social media campaigns were initiated by the students, disappointed with the lack of response from Punjab and Union governments. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Vikram Singh Sahney is in touch, but concrete actions are awaited.
Sahney raised the matter with Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, who confirmed an investigation into the immigration fraud. The affected students attended reputable colleges like Humber, Lambton, St Claire, and Seneca in Ontario, Toronto.
International lawyer Sumit Sen, representing the students, highlighted the unclear number facing deportation. He blamed Brajesh Mishra and questioned Canadian officials for clearing fraudulent documents multiple times.
The Standing Committee on Immigration and Citizenship, along with opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, is working to address the issue in Parliament. Gurpartap Singh Toor, Peel Region’s councilor, supports the students, acknowledging flaws in the immigration system.
Journalist Avtar Dhaliwal blamed education consultants for admitting more students than allowed, calling for an investigation. The situation has been under scrutiny for three to four years, leading to unexpected student deportations. The students and their supporters hope for a positive resolution to their protest.