As the hunger strike continues, the health and wellbeing of these students hang in the balance, awaiting a resolution that might restore their hopes for a stable future in Canada
Hundreds of Indian students in Canada are protesting changes in immigration laws in Prince Edward Island (PEI), facing imminent deportation due to new provincial regulations. These changes have disrupted the lives of many who were in the process of obtaining permanent residency (PR).
The protest began on May 9, with students staging a hunger strike that has now escalated to a dry hunger strike—where participants abstain from both food and water—posing severe health risks. This extreme measure underscores the students’ desperation and the gravity of their situation.
-
The protesters have vowed to intensify their actions if the government continues to ignore their demands, highlighting a growing tension between the student community and the provincial authorities
-
The ongoing situation reflects a broader issue of immigration policy and its impact on international students seeking better opportunities abroad
Approximately 60 protesters gathered in front of the Colest Building at the PEI legislature, carrying posters and banners to voice their demands. Jaspreet Singh Sivia, one of the protest leaders, criticized the government for its inaction, accusing it of turning a deaf ear to their plight. “There have been no actions taken. It looks like the government has become deaf,” Sivia told CBC.
The students’ primary demand is that those who arrived before July 2023 be exempted from the new immigration cuts. They argue that their opportunities and future prospects are being unfairly stripped away by these abrupt changes.
Two students have also testified in PEI’s Parliament against the policy, seeking legislative support to reverse or mitigate the impact of these cuts.
***********************************************************
Readers
These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.
Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world. We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.
Please help us to keep our journalism independent and free.
In these difficult times, running a news website requires finances. While every contribution, big or small, will make a difference, we request our readers to put us in touch with advertisers worldwide. It will be a great help.
For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com
