In an interview with Mercedes Stephenson on The West Block, Immigration Minister Marc Miller expressed concern over a growing trend of international students claiming asylum in Canada after entering on student visas. He referred to this as an alarming trend and stated that some claimants are using the international student program as a backdoor entry into the country to lower their tuition fees. Miller emphasized the need for universities and colleges to improve their screening and monitoring practices to prevent misuse of the program. He mentioned that his department is studying the issue and exploring potential reforms to address this issue.
The issue came to light after the arrest of a Pakistani man, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, who was allegedly plotting a terrorist attack against Jews in New York City. While Miller declined to comment on Khan’s case, he acknowledged that there has been a growing number of international students claiming asylum in Canada, with many doing so within the first year of their arrival. He pointed out that international students pay significantly higher tuition fees compared to Canadian students, and some may be exploiting the system to pay lower fees. In response to this trend, the government announced a reduction in the number of international student permits issued to address overcrowding and strains on public services.
As part of the efforts to address the issue, Miller called on universities and colleges to improve their recruiting and admitting practices to prevent misuse of the international student program. He emphasized that the program is aimed at promoting international excellence and not as a backdoor entry into Canada for various reasons. The minister highlighted the importance of detecting fraud at the outset and addressing the potential long-term consequences of false asylum claims. He also stressed the need for international security screening systems to evolve and adapt to new challenges, particularly in light of recent incidents involving alleged terrorist plots.
In response to concerns about security screening processes, Miller assured that the government is confident in the screening operations in Canada. However, he acknowledged that more needs to be done to enhance security measures and prevent individuals with malicious intentions from entering the country. The minister mentioned that an internal review is being conducted to identify deficiencies and potential systemic issues that need to be addressed. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with international partners, such as the U.S. and Mexico, to strengthen border security and mitigate threats to national security.
Miller underscored the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive measures to thwart security threats to Canada, particularly from individuals who do not have the country’s best interests at heart. He emphasized the importance of constant evolution and improvement in security screening processes to safeguard against potential risks and ensure the safety of Canadians. The minister’s comments reflect the government’s commitment to addressing security challenges and strengthening measures to protect the country from potential threats posed by individuals entering Canada through various channels, including the international student program.
