Latest immigration News | Top immigration News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking immigration News Today | English immigration News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Trump Approves $150B Immigration Budget for Detention & Mass Deportations

July 4, 2025, 12:18 pm

US immigration enforcement is on a new path following Congress’s approval of a record $150 billion budget for President Donald Trump’s deportation and border security proposals. The legislation, which Trump intends to sign by Friday, constitutes the broadest crackdown in decades.

It renews the border wall initiative, increases federal detention, employs thousands of new agents, and charges migrants high fees to seek legal protection.

Homeland Security Receives Most of the New Money

The majority of the new money will be awarded to the Department of Homeland Security and its enforcement branches—Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The budget increase will enable these organizations to build detention facilities, increase surveillance, and step up deportations.

The bill also increases the fee for asylum application, work permits, and humanitarian protection, putting an additional financial burden on migrants seeking legal routes.

Border Wall Construction Speeds Up

Trump previously stalled border wall effort now receives a new $46.5 billion boost. The administration has already granted $70 million for new barriers in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley. Another $309 million will go toward a 27-mile section in Arizona’s Tucson sector, where border crossings have decreased.

Despite arrests reaching all-time lows, the administration still wants to strengthen the border further.

Detention Capacity Surges

ICE will get $45 billion to increase detention capacity. Through late June, ICE had over 59,000 individuals in custody, well above its funded capacity of 42,000 beds. A new complex in the Florida Everglades, which has come to be known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” has already opened to accommodate the overflow.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem informed lawmakers the administration wants to increase immigration jail beds across the country by a factor of two. Oversight, however, is becoming weaker. DHS has already closed its internal watchdog office, and lawmakers are now contemplating eliminating its funding altogether.

ICE and Border Patrol to Hire Thousands

ICE will get a $30 billion increase—three times its yearly budget. The agency will add 10,000 new officers and provide $10,000 annual bonuses. Border Patrol and CBP will receive $6.1 billion for 8,000 new agents. But agencies continue to struggle with recruitment because of background checks and training.

State Reimbursements and Fee Hikes

The US bill also provides $13.5 billion to states that have already spent on border security since 2021. Texas anticipates $11 billion in reimbursement for migrant transport, fences, and policing.

Republicans are paying for the crackdown by levying stiff new fees. Asylum petitions will now be $100. Temporary Protected Status will be $500. Humanitarian parole might be as high as $1,000. Waivers for poor applicants will largely be eliminated.

With the bill’s passage, immigration agenda of Trump now has unprecedented firepower. But critics warn the crackdown risks punishing legal migrants, overburdening border communities, and eroding oversight in the name of enforcement.

Trump Targeting Green Card Holders? USCIS Warns One Strike Means Deportation

June 29, 2025, 12:30 pm

US President Donald Trump is back in the spotlight, and this time, Green Card holders are feeling the heat. USCIS has warned that immigrants could lose their Green Cards or visas if they break US laws, even just once. The agency reminded everyone that coming to America is a privilege, not a right.

With Trump-era policies like “Catch and Revoke” returning, legal residents are now at risk of losing everything over one mistake. The message is clear: follow the law or face deportation, no second chances.

On the campaign trail, Trump promised to deport “the worst of the worst.”

Now, he’s kidnapping and disappearing green card holders, legal permanent residents, and even U.S. citizen kids with cancer.

This is not what the American people want. pic.twitter.com/zuDh5GKa9I

— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) May 11, 2025

Break the Law, Lose Your Status

In a recent post on X, USCIS said: “Green cards and visas will be revoked if an alien breaks the law.” They also explained that people who support violence or terrorism, or even encourage others to, can no longer stay in the US. The post stated, “Coming to America and receiving a visa or green card is a privilege. Our laws and values must be respected.”

Coming to America and receiving a visa or green card is a privilege. Our laws and values must be respected. If you advocate for violence, endorse or support terrorist activity, or encourage others to do so, you are no longer eligible to stay in the U.S. pic.twitter.com/hJ0qQOCFXP

— USCIS (@USCIS) June 25, 2025

USCIS didn’t point to any specific case, but the warning comes as the government focuses more on national security. Green Card holders must now be extra careful. A single serious offence, like promoting violence or committing a crime, could lead to losing their legal status and being removed from the country. The rules are getting stricter, and the consequences are harsher.

Trump Revives “Catch and Revoke”

This warning is closely tied to Trump’s tough immigration policies. Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted: “There is now a one-strike policy: Catch-And-Revoke. Whenever the government catches non-US citizens breaking our laws, we will take action to revoke their status.”

The policy, shared on April 30, focuses on crimes like assault and domestic violence. Supporters argue that it helps protect the country, but critics worry that it could be unfair. Still, Trump’s approach is back. With this one-strike rule in place, even legal immigrants with Green Cards are at risk of losing everything if they break the law.

US Visa Holders Face Deportation for Violating Immigration Laws

March 26, 2025, 4:11 pm

The US government has tightened visa enforcement, warning foreign visitors of strict consequences for violating immigration laws. As a result, several United States embassies in Europe have issued statements, stressing that visa holders involved in unlawful activities or supporting extremist groups could face deportation. Furthermore, a recent student detention has underscored these measures.

US Embassies Warn Visa Holders

To reinforce strict immigration policies, US embassies across Europe have issued warnings. For instance, the US Embassy in Tallinn, Estonia, stated that visa holders must comply with US laws. It warned that individuals promoting terrorist organizations or vandalizing property would not have been granted entry if their intentions had been known earlier. Additionally, the embassy cautioned that those misrepresenting their purpose in the US risk expulsion.

Similarly, embassies in Germany and the UK have echoed these concerns. Specifically, Secretary of State Rubio emphasized that the US will not tolerate foreign visitors supporting terrorism. Meanwhile, the Embassy of the United States in Bulgaria clarified that visa screening is an ongoing process. As a result, those found violating laws could face visa revocation and deportation.

Officials have also highlighted that US immigration authorities are increasing surveillance of social media accounts to track potential violations. Visa holders engaging in hate speech, inciting violence, or showing support for banned organizations could be flagged for investigation. Additionally, past statements or affiliations with extremist groups could be grounds for visa rejection or revocation.

Student Detained Amid Crackdown

In line with these stricter policies, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently arrested Badar Khan Suri, a postdoctoral scholar at Georgetown University. The arrest took place on March 17 in Arlington, Virginia. According to legal filings, his student visa had been revoked.

Moreover, Tricia McLaughlin, an assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, stated that Suri had been spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media. Consequently, his case highlights the US government’s strict monitoring of visa holders and its zero-tolerance policy toward security threats.

This case has sparked discussions among immigration law experts, some of whom argue that foreign students and visitors must be more aware of how their online activities could impact their visa status. Legal analysts suggest that even liking or sharing certain content on social media could lead to increased scrutiny.

As visa enforcement tightens, US authorities continue to stress that foreign visitors must fully comply with immigration laws. Otherwise, those violating regulations risk losing their visas and facing deportation. Experts advise visa holders to stay informed about policy changes and avoid engaging in activities that could jeopardize their legal status in the US.

Trump Border Czar Announces Immigrant Raids as President Lifts Key Ban On….

January 22, 2025, 12:45 am

Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, announced that immigration officers would be deployed across the United States starting Tuesday morning to apprehend and deport unauthorized migrants.

In an interview with Fox Business Network on Monday, Homan stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would begin carrying out their duties under renewed enforcement measures.

“They haven’t been able to do the job for the last four years, and now they’re going to start enforcing the law like there should be,” Homan said.

The border czar explained that the raids would occur nationwide but did not disclose specific locations or clarify whether “sanctuary cities” — which have declined to cooperate with deportation authorities — would be targeted.

“They’re going to do it throughout the country. We have offices throughout the country, and every ICE officer is going to be out there and enforce the law starting tomorrow morning,” Homan stated.

These actions follow executive orders issued by Trump, enacting stricter measures to prevent illegal immigration into the United States.

Trump revokes ban on immigration raids at schools, hospitals, churches: Report

The Trump administration has rescinded a memo signed by Joe Biden that restricted immigration enforcement activities in and around sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, churches, and disaster relief institutions, Fox News reported.

Under the new policy, ICE officials have been instructed to use “a healthy dose of common sense” when determining sites to locate undocumented individuals.

Shortly after his inauguration, Trump ordered the deployment of U.S. troops to the southern border, declaring a “national emergency” through an executive order.

“Because of the gravity and emergency of this present danger and imminent threat, it is necessary for the Armed Forces to take all appropriate action to assist the Department of Homeland Security in obtaining full operational control of the southern border,” the order stated.

This move comes despite a significant decline in unauthorized border crossings over the past six months, following limitations imposed during the Biden administration.

Newjeans’ Hanni Faces Visa Challenges Amid Contract Dispute With ADOR

December 21, 2024, 12:20 pm

Member Hanni has experienced legal and immigration concerns as a result of recent episodes with NewJeans and her breakup from the group ADOR.

According to a report on December 20, 2024, South Korean Customs classified Hanni as an illegal immigrant after an anonymous person complained about her. Although ADOR earlier guaranteed that her visa renewal was in progress, this comes after rumours that her visa was close to expiring. The situation has gotten more complex since the agency denied the group’s public claim of contract termination last month.

Hanni, a dual citizen of Australia and Vietnam, is in possession of an E-6 visa, which is typically granted to foreign entertainers visiting South Korea. However, employment with a sponsoring organization is a prerequisite for these visas. Since South Korean immigration law requires a new visa application or sponsor approval within 15 days of contract termination, Hanni’s visa would have expired on December 13 if the termination claim is valid. ADOR is unlikely to help in transferring her visa to another agency because they still insist that the contract is valid

Danielle is unaffected, as she is a fellow member who holds dual citizenship in Korea and Australia, but Hanni may be deported if her visa status is not resolved. As her existing status might make her an unlawful resident, she has two options: either to apply for a new visa overseas or to find a new organisation that can sponsor her. A settlement is not so clear because of the judicial disputes between ADOR and NewJeans, especially as hostilities with HYBE’s parent business make things more complicated.

IRCC’s Surprise Email Shocks Indian Students in Canada

December 14, 2024, 11:46 am

Indian students in Canada were shocked after Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sent emails requesting resubmission of key documents. These emails asked for study permits, visas, academic marks, and attendance records. Meanwhile, IRCC has tightened its policies to control the growing influx of international students. These measures include stricter financial requirements and potential caps on student admissions.

Students React to Sudden Requests

The unexpected emails sparked panic among many students. Even those holding valid visas felt uneasy. To illustrate, a postgraduate student from Hyderabad shared his experience. He said, “I was shocked when I received the email. My visa is valid until 2026, yet I was asked to submit my documents again.” Furthermore, he added, “They even want proof of attendance, marks, and part-time work details.”

Punjab Students Face Similar Issues

Meanwhile, students from Punjab also reported receiving similar emails. Many were instructed to visit IRCC offices in person to verify their credentials. “The situation has left many students confused and worried,” a student studying in Ontario revealed.

Canada’s Rising Number of Indian Students

Canada has seen a sharp increase in international student enrollment, with Indian students forming a significant portion. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, over 4.2 lakh Indian students currently study in Canada. This figure surpasses the US, which hosts 3.3 lakh Indian students.

Experts Urge Students to Respond Quickly

Experts urge students to respond quickly to avoid possible visa issues. Immigration consultant Mehbub Rajwani clarified that the resubmission requests are part of Canada’s strategy to control the rising number of international students. He explained, “The stricter requirements and possible caps on admissions signal Canada’s intention to filter genuine students.”

Additionally, Rajwani cautioned students about the risks of not complying. He warned, “If students fail to follow these rules, they risk having their visas canceled.”

Students Call for Clarity

Amid rising concerns, students are urging IRCC to clarify the process. Meanwhile, Canada is enforcing new regulations to balance welcoming international students with maintaining stricter oversight.

H-1B Divide: Trump And Musk’s Opposing Stances On Immigration

December 14, 2024, 12:02 am

Elon Musk, whose net worth recently surged to $400 billion, has a remarkable journey that began with working illegally in the United States decades ago. Today, his company Tesla heavily depends on H-1B workers, even becoming one of the top 25 employers of H-1B visa holders, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data.

In 2019, about 580,000 people were on H-1B visas in the U.S., according to USCIS. However, President-elect Donald Trump may tighten H-1B visa rules after taking office on January 20, 2025.

In 2020, Trump attempted to reduce immigration by issuing an executive order that suspended the issuance of H-1B visas and barred entry to visa holders. He argued that it would protect American jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, though the order was struck down as it was beyond the president’s authority.

Must Read: MEA: All Indians Wishing To Return From Syria Successfully Repatriated

Each year, the U.S. caps H-1B visas at 65,000, with an additional 20,000 available for U.S. advanced degree holders.

Ajay Srivastava, Founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), noted, “Trump’s stricter immigration stance could lead to changes in visa rules, impacting Indian IT professionals and raising costs for Indian IT companies.” Trump’s restrictive immigration policies during his first term raised concerns about the future of the H-1B program, especially regarding denied visa renewals and the challenges faced by skilled foreign workers trying to secure jobs.

Yet, with Elon Musk playing a key role in the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, and having had 1,787 H-1B visas approved for Tesla employees this year, a potential clash of interests looms. Musk, also known as “technoking,” began his career in the U.S. by working illegally on a student visa for a Stanford University program he never enrolled in.

Must Read: Accenture CEO Julie Sweet Locks X Account Amid Backlash Over Allegations In Atul Subhash Case

David Sacks, another tech executive involved in the Trump administration, could also push for more H-1B visas. During a podcast on All-In, co-hosted by Sacks, tech investor Jason Calacanis, and other entrepreneurs, Calacanis asked Trump whether he would expand H-1B visas for tech workers.

Calacanis said, “The more important point, I think, Mr. President, is we need high-skilled workers in this country. Can you please promise us you will give us more ability to import the best and brightest from around the world to America?”

Trump responded, “I do promise, but I happen to agree, that’s why I promise. Otherwise, I wouldn’t promise.”

However, his campaign later walked back the promise, stating that only “the most skilled graduates who can make significant contributions to America” would be allowed to stay, after “the most aggressive vetting process.”

It will be interesting to see how the new administration navigates the potential challenge of balancing Musk and Sacks’ push for H-1B visas with the broader goals of immigration reform.

Also Read: Only 19 Indians Remain in Russian Armed Forces, Government Confirms

Trump’s Second Term Team Takes Shape With Immigration Focus And Loyal Supporters

November 14, 2024, 3:23 pm

Donald Trump’s newly elected administration is swiftly forming as the President-elect announces key appointments for his second term. Just one week after his victory, Trump has revealed several significant figures who will play crucial roles in shaping his policies, especially concerning immigration, foreign policy, and government efficiency.

Immigration

One of the most notable aspects of Trump’s team is his commitment to his hardline stance on immigration. Stephen Miller, a longtime Trump ally and speechwriter, has been appointed Deputy Chief of Staff. Known for his influence in crafting some of the administration’s toughest immigration policies, Miller is expected to spearhead a new plan for mass deportations and stricter immigration regulations.

Thomas Homan, who served as the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump’s first term, is also returning to a significant role, this time focusing on border issues. Homan’s promise to launch the largest deportation campaign in US history is a continuation of Trump’s immigration agenda, despite critics warning of a potentially hefty price tag of over $300 billion.

Focus on China

As Trump positions himself for his second term, his foreign policy approach is taking shape. China is expected to be a central challenge, and many in Trump’s new team share his critical view of the country. Trump has appointed retired Army Colonel and Florida Congressman Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser. Waltz, who has described the US as being in a “cold war” with China, is a vocal critic of Beijing’s policies.

Elise Stefanik, a staunch Trump ally, is tapped to become the US Ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik has previously accused China of election interference, underscoring her hardline stance against the country. While Trump has yet to announce his pick for Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio, another critic of China, is considered a likely candidate.

Elon Musk

Among Trump’s most influential backers is tech magnate Elon Musk. Musk, known for his vocal support of Trump and his active role in political discourse through social media, has been advising the President-elect on cabinet selections. He was also involved in discussions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Musk’s recent appointment to the “Department of Government Efficiency” highlights his role in advising Trump on measures to cut government spending.

Strengthening Presidential Power

Trump’s approach to governance is also leaning toward consolidating executive power. With the Republican Party controlling the Senate, Trump has pushed for more flexibility in his appointments, proposing a system that allows him to bypass Senate approval for certain administrative positions when Congress is not in session. This move would grant the President greater control over staffing decisions without the need for Senate confirmation.

However, there are concerns among some advisors that purging Republican lawmakers from Congress could delay Trump’s legislative agenda, as special elections could take months to schedule for vacant seats in the House.

Rewarding Loyalty

Trump is placing a strong emphasis on loyalty as he builds his team. Many of his appointments are staunch supporters who have been with him from the beginning. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been selected to lead the Department of Homeland Security, while conservative Fox News host Pete Hegseth will take on the role of Secretary of Defense. These choices reflect Trump’s desire to reward loyal figures within the Republican Party, signaling a shift from his first term when he relied more on older party leaders.

As Trump prepares to take office for his second term, the composition of his team suggests a continuation of many of the policies and priorities that defined his first presidency, including a tough approach to immigration, a focus on China, and a reliance on loyal supporters. Whether these moves will prove successful in achieving his goals remains to be seen, but Trump’s early actions highlight his determination to govern according to his vision.

Five Booked For Defrauding Family In Canada Visa Scam

August 8, 2024, 7:39 pm

Police has booked five persons, including a woman, for allegedly duping residents of Sector 26, Panchkula, Chandimandir to the tune of Rs. 26.77 lakhs under the pretext of getting them work visa and permanent residency in Canada. The case under section 24 of The Emigration Act, 1983, section 120-B, 406 and 420 of the IPC 1860 has been registered yesterday afternoon.

According to the complaint, the accused, Kailash Sethi, Gurpreet Sethi, Rakhi Gill, Rudra and Gagan contacted the complainant, Ankit Gaur, who was planning to immigrate to Canada with his wife and father last year.

The accused group alleged to have assured Gaur to get him a work permit along with a job offer letter and permanent residency for his family, including his father, according to the complaint, all of it was finalised for Rs 30 Lakhs, which would be bifurcated in cash and bank transactions. He further added that he paid Rs 2.5 Lakh along with the family’s passports and documents in September, then additional Rs 3 Lakhs in October, followed by Rs 8 Lakhs cash withdrawn from the complainant’s family members’ account, while a bank transaction of Rs. 13,77,000 was made.

The complainant claimed that they waited for the response from the accused for 4-5 months as they maintained a regular touch with them to get updates for their visa status but got unsatisfactory answers. Finally, after enough waiting the complainant visited the accused group in their Chandigarh offices in January where he was told that their visa has gone to New Delhi for further processes and all they required was a week wait. The family ended up waiting till mid-February where they maintained a constant touch with the accused.

Till Tuesday, when the complainant’s father Jai Karan Sharma, claimed he was repeatedly contacted and threatened by Rakhi Gill, Rudra, and Hemant to pay the balance amount of Rs. 3,23,000. According to the FIR, the complainant and his family were taken aback and wanted to know how the accused could demand the last installment when nothing had been done towards the visa as previously assured. The accused persons said that they could not comment about any previous understanding and further insisted that without clearing the last installment, the file would not be processed further.

Trump’s New Immigration Proposal Raises Green Card Hopes For Indian Students

June 23, 2024, 8:25 am

Former US President Donald Trump, in a surprising shift on immigration policy ahead of the upcoming elections, has unveiled a proposal aimed at benefiting foreign students, including those from India. Trump’s tough stance on immigration during his presidency, now promises that foreign students graduating from US colleges will automatically receive Green Cards, granting them permanent residency in the United States.

In a recent podcast hosted by venture capitalists, Trump highlighted the potential economic benefits of retaining talented graduates who often return to their home countries, such as India and China, after completing their education in the US. He expressed regret over losing graduates from prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT to overseas markets, where they go on to build successful enterprises.

Trump emphasized the need for a merit-based immigration system, underscoring his support for allowing graduates in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) to remain in the US upon completing their degrees. He argued that retaining top talent from American universities is crucial for economic growth and innovation within the country.

These remarks mark a significant departure from Trump’s earlier rhetoric, which included stringent measures against illegal immigration and restrictions on legal immigration during his presidency. The proposal is expected to resonate with voters concerned about immigration issues in the upcoming presidential elections, where Trump is anticipated to challenge President Joe Biden.

2024 US Election: Biden to Announce New Policy Protecting Spouses of US Citizens

June 18, 2024, 5:49 pm

US President Joe Biden is set to announce a new policy aimed at offering protection to dozens of spouses who are married to US citizens from deportation.

Biden plans to introduce this agenda at a White House event and launch this initiative on the eve of celebrating the Obama-era program called the ‘Dreamers’ directive.

This directive offers protection from deportation to these undocumented illegal immigrants.

As per sources aware of this matter, this new policy will provide an opportunity for 490,000 spouses of US citizens to apply for the ‘parole in place’ program.

Under this program, if they have been residing in the country for 10 years, this law will not only protect them from deportation but will also offer them work permits.

This development comes at a time when Biden is already preparing for potential re-election against Donald Trump, who is known for his strict immigration policies.

But for some time, the US government has been exploring different options to assist immigrants without legal status. With the introduction of this policy, Biden is not only offering protection from deportation and providing work permits but also lifting legal restrictions. Thus, allowing eligible immigrants to apply for permanent residency and even US citizenship.

However, the reaction to this upcoming policy has evoked different reactions from the society.

Supporters of immigration have enthusiastically welcomed this policy, asserting that immigrants without legal status face numerous challenges despite their longstanding ties to the country.

On the other hand, Republicans have criticized the policy. One Republican senator, John Cornyn, has labeled it a ‘huge magnet’ for immigrants, suggesting that it could potentially ‘attract even more people’ to the country’s borders.

New Canadian immigration rules hit marriages in Punjab

January 28, 2024, 10:20 am

Last week, Pallavi Sharma, a vibrant young woman in her early twenties, saw her aspirations of studying abroad shattered. Pallavi, who achieved a score of 6.5 bands in her IELTS in September last year, had been eagerly planning to pursue an undergraduate program at a Canadian university. Her engagement last month added another dimension to her journey, as her fiancé was set to sponsor her student visa. However, a recent announcement by Canada’s immigration minister, Marc Miller, has disrupted her well-laid plans.

Expressing her disappointment, Pallavi stated, “After completing class 12, I pursued a diploma in computer applications and cleared IELTS with 6.5 bands. Due to financial constraints, my family explored the option of a spouse visa, where the boy wanted to go abroad. Everything was arranged, and I even got engaged. But the new regulations state that spouses of students in undergraduate programs cannot obtain an open work permit. Without financial support from my fiancé’s family, there is no way I can pursue my dreams. My family doesn’t have the means to pay my fees.”

This situation echoes the concerns of others in the state facing similar challenges. Gurpreet Singh Plaha, a resident of Dholewal area in Ludhiana, had plans to send his spouse to Canada in the May intake. However, in the absence of an open work permit, his aspirations have now been dashed. Plaha, who is single, says he was in the process of tying the knot with an ‘IELTS-pass’ girl.

In recent times, such ‘IELTS weddings’ had become a new avenue to Canada in Punjab. A study by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) revealed that 9.51% of Punjabis migrated abroad on a spouse visa, with over 50% of these migrants being males. This shift was attributed to a new trend of ‘contract marriage,’ where men would marry women with high IELTS bands for study visas, who would later sponsor their husbands on spousal open work visas.

The new regulations specify that spouses of students enrolled in undergraduate programs will not be eligible for an open work permit. This permit will only be applicable to spouses in master’s, doctoral, law, or medicine courses.

The impact of these changes extends to immigration agencies as well. Nitin Chawla from Kapri Education and Immigration Services Inc. in Ludhiana noted, “This will significantly impact not only local immigration consultants but also students whose dreams hinge on flying to Canada. Many immigration consultants’ offices had a substantial portion, around 80%, of files related to spouse visas. Now, with the end of open work permits for spouses of undergraduate students, survival will be challenging for numerous immigration and IELTS institutes.”

The practice of using immigration consultants as informal marriage bureaus is not uncommon, with consultants facilitating alliances between boys and IELTS-passed girls. However, a consultant from Moga revealed, “In many cases, girls used to ditch the groom, and in numerous instances, couples would divorce after obtaining permanent residency in Canada.”

Vinay Hari, a prominent immigration and career consultant in Punjab, asserted that the new rules would put an end to the practice of sending boys to Canada based on IELTS-passed girls. He mentioned, “Spouses can only obtain an open work permit if the partner is enrolled in master’s or doctoral courses. This move by the Trudeau government is aimed at winning the confidence of local voters, especially with elections approaching.”

Hari urged students to reconsider their motives for going to Canada, emphasizing the importance of contributing to Punjab’s economy. He noted, “The market for master’s or professional courses is relatively small in Punjab. This correction was necessary, and many planning marriages with IELTS-passed girls will now pause their plans.”

Devpriya Tyagi, MD of Rightway Airlink Immigration Consultants, clarified that the new rule doesn’t affect students already in Canada on study visas, but it will impact those enrolling from September 1, 2024. Tyagi mentioned, “The IELTS institutes and immigration consultants are adopting a wait-and-watch strategy. The announcements aim to filter the type of students reaching Canada.”

While students in master’s or doctoral courses can still call their spouses with open work permits, the numbers are expected to be minimal from Punjab. Devpriya added, “Students must study in public colleges or universities to secure work permits. Those in public-private campuses will no longer be eligible for work permits.”

Nitin Chawla concluded, “The Trudeau government’s previous relaxations are being rolled back, reflecting on their collapsing system. In response to the announcements, an immigration consultant in Ludhiana has promptly put one branch of his IELTS institution up for sale, signaling the immediate impact on businesses.”

Chawla emphasized a shift in the trend, urging boys to take charge of their education, pass IELTS, and pursue bachelor’s courses independently. “The era of significant demand for IELTS-passed girls is over, at least in the near future,” he declared.