Canada launches major crackdown on illegal immigrants, panic among Punjabi youth
By Mehak Arora
Chandigarh, May 31, 2025: After the United States, Canada has now intensified its crackdown on illegal immigrants, sparking panic among thousands, particularly within the Punjabi community.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has launched a nationwide deportation drive, issuing over 30,000 deportation warrants as part of a sweeping effort to tighten immigration enforcement.
Who’s Being Targeted?
According to CBSA, the crackdown is focused on three main categories of individuals:
- Those whose asylum claims have been rejected
- Individuals who overstayed their visas
- People involved in criminal activities or found residing with forged documents
Officials have emphasized that enforcement is directed at those knowingly violating immigration laws.
Punjabi Community Hit the Hardest
The Punjabi community, which forms a significant part of Canada's South Asian diaspora, is bearing the brunt of this action. A large number of young men, whose work permits or study visas have expired, are now facing imminent deportation.
Immigration expert Parvinder Singh Montu revealed that nearly 88% of deportees are failed asylum seekers, many of whom had relied on weak or fabricated claims to remain in the country.
Students and Tourists Also Under Scanner
The CBSA's radar also includes:
- International students who have discontinued their studies
- Tourist visa holders who never returned home after their visas expired
- Even some Permanent Resident (PR) card holders are facing action, especially if linked to criminal activity.
Cost of Returning After Deportation
For those deported, re-entering Canada won’t come easy — or cheap.
- Standard deportation cost: 3,800 CAD
- Deportation with security escort: 12,800 CAD
The individual must repay this cost to the Canadian government before being reconsidered for any visa.
Surge in Fake Asylum Claims
According to Pooja, MD of New Image Immigration Consultancy, more than 20,000 asylum claims were filed in 2024 alone, with over 98% being deemed fraudulent. This marks a 615% increase compared to 2019.
“The surge in fake claims has clogged the immigration system,” Pooja said, “and the government is now accelerating decisions to ease the pressure on resources and policy infrastructure.”
As CBSA ramps up enforcement, the fear and uncertainty within communities—especially among Punjabi youth—are growing.
With the possibility of arrest and deportation hanging over thousands, immigration experts urge undocumented individuals to seek legal counsel immediately and avoid false claims or overstaying their legal status.