World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. The weekly roundup includes research, stories, and events of interest to the Canadian immigration and settlement community. This content has been created by WES and is reproduced here with their permission, in partnership.
Learning from International Student Families: Making a Home in Canada (University of Waterloo)
Since 2016, the population of mature international students (over 25 years old) in Canada has grown rapidly, many with partners and dependents. Despite their growing numbers and aspirations to settle in Canada, these families are often overlooked in policy discussions and blamed for the housing crisis. This report examines their housing experiences in Waterloo Region, home to three major higher education institutions and the largest student housing market in the country. The study finds that international student families face significant challenges, including a lack of support and a high need for quality housing. They struggle to find suitable accommodations due to unique needs like additional bedrooms and adequate kitchen space, often competing in the private rental market without Canadian credit checks or local references. This vulnerability is exacerbated by their invisibility in policy discussions. The report calls for better support from higher education institutions, governments, and policymakers. Recommendations include providing realistic housing information, transitional housing, community support upon arrival, and increasing affordable family housing through collaborative efforts.
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Under pressure: How global migration and economic trends are impacting international education (ICEF Monitor)
Globally, several governments - primarily those in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom introduced sweeping regulations on immigration. Policy measures were tightened for designated learning institutions and prospective students, leading to increased scrutiny for educational providers and agents. In many study destinations, these actions resulted in caps on study permits, significant application fee increases, higher proof of funds requirements, and restrictions on dependants' permission to accompany students. Despite the social and economic contributions of students, researchers cite a steep decline of public support for immigration amidst current pressures facing economies worldwide. As societies move towards economic recovery in line with ongoing labour market priorities:
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Posthaste: Canada's immigration clampdown could have more consequences than we thought (Financial Post)
Canada's plan to limit the number of temporary residents aims to reduce their proportion to 5 percent of the total population over the next three years. This strategy is expected to impact the economy significantly. A reduction in temporary residents may slow the growth of the working-age population, which could in turn hinder real GDP growth and decrease the overall tax base. This situation might lead to lower government revenues and higher deficits. Additionally, the current federal budget forecasts high population growth, but this assumption could be at risk if the planned reduction in temporary residents is realized. This could result in a higher debt-to-GDP ratio and a potential annual increase in the deficit by nearly $8 billion. Although there may be opportunities to offset this through spending cuts, implementing such measures could be challenging, particularly with anticipated increases in defense spending.
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The End of Asylum: Evolving the Protection System to Meet 21st Century Challenges (MPI)
In order to meet the demands of a new era of asylum, experts are calling for a revamped system that maximizes safety while prioritizing orderly and lawful entry. A reimagined system should safeguard from refoulement, maintain open borders during displacement crises, and provide emergency pathways. It should involve refugees in policymaking and acknowledge their mobility needs, offering legal avenues for movement, family reunification, and rebuilding lives. Shared responsibility is essential, with regional neighbours and the global community providing legal pathways and long-term support for education, health, and social services. Effective policies must address concerns about public services and the rule of law, while encouraging legal pathways over irregular travel. Safe third country policies and regional cooperation may assist in managing asylum claims. Expanding legal immigration pathways can alleviate border pressure and support integration, while non-refugee protection statuses can address broader displacement scenarios. The transition to new processes will involve balancing risks, such as prolonged limbo and political challenges, against the benefits of increased legal protection and support. Incremental reforms and international cooperation are crucial for establishing a sustainable and effective asylum system.
Further Reading:
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