Immigration policies | March in support of undocumented migrants in Montreal

Concerns about immigration reached new heights on Thursday when Quebec announced the freezing of two permanent immigration programs. Saturday afternoon, more than a hundred people began a march in solidarity with people without immigration status in Montreal.

The gathering, which began around 1 p.m. at the Rosemont metro exit, was organized by the Quebec Campaign for Regularization and Migrant Justice. The crowd was made up, in large part, of migrants without status.

“Me, my husband, and my children, we work. We are a very integrated family, we pay our taxes, we like living in Quebec,” testified Tina*, a temporary foreign worker, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals from the Border Services Agency.

According to the Canadian government, undocumented migrants are people who do not have authorization to reside in Canada. Most of these people reached this status after losing their temporary resident status or after having their asylum application rejected. “The promise of regularization long awaited by people without status, where is it? », We could read on one of the canvases carried at arm’s length by demonstrators.

A few years ago, the Trudeau government promised that regularization of temporary immigrants was one of the objectives of its mandate. However, the Canadian Minister of Immigration, Marc Miller, finally indicated that there would be no general regularization of these migrants on October 24. The same day, Justin Trudeau also announced the reduction of immigration thresholds in the country.

“These people must put their life plans on hold, live in vulnerability, and endure all forms of abuse and exploitation,” said Lynda Khelil, head of the mobilization.

Several asylum seekers also took part in the demonstration, like Djibril Diallo.

“Being an asylum seeker also means that you are only hired by placement agencies [qui impliquent] dangerous work, very low wages, harassment and workplace accidents. But we have our dignity,” said Mr. Diallo.

Many supporting organizations

More than forty organizations, including union associations and organizations from across Quebec, are involved in the campaign.

During the rally, the vice-president of the CSQ, Pascal Côté, denounced the precariousness in which many migrants find themselves, and added that they contribute greatly to the wealth of Quebec, regardless of their status. The Popular Action Front for Urban Redevelopment (FRAPRU) was also present.

“If we hire migrants to fill permanent needs, they should have permanent immigration status,” summarized Mouloud Idir, representative of the Steelworkers union.

The march marked the start of the Week of Action for Regularization and Migrant Justice, which runs until November 9.