Canadian police identify 12 illegal Indian student protesters

Calgary Police Service has identified 12 protesters among Indian students demonstrating in Canada who may be inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, meaning they have no legal status and could face deportation. The verification was done with the Canada Border Services Agency after complaints about noise, obstruction and public intoxication at a protest that began on July 24. The CBSA confirmed that of 20 people checked, 12 were found possibly inadmissible, though their exact immigration status was not disclosed.

The protests involve thousands of international students, mostly Indians, who were denied work permits after completing courses at Portage College. They had believed the programme would qualify them for a work permit, but Canadian immigration ruled the course ineligible. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told protesters there is no pathway to permanent residency for everyone and advised them to return home. Calgary immigration lawyer Jatin Shory, representing students challenging the denials in federal court, said he advised his clients not to attend public protests, calling the situation 'sheep waiting for the fox to come into the den'.