International students suspend protest after CBSA visit

An ongoing protest by Portage College students in northeast Calgary has taken a new turn after Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers visited the protest site. The demonstration, which began July 24, has now been suspended until further notice.

Sources say several students were questioned about their immigration status, while some were issued notices requiring them to report to a federal building in downtown Calgary for further proceedings.

Sources also caution that having a restoration application in progress does not shield students from CBSA action. The CBSA’s appearance at the protests has raised concerns that further immigration enforcement measures could follow, including possible action involving already-issued work permits.

Some students reportedly received notices related to a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment, or PRRA, meaning their immigration cases may now have to be addressed individually. Sources say the process could also affect some students’ ability to obtain new study or visitor status, while there are reports of a possible one-year study exclusion for some affected students.

The street protests in Calgary and Edmonton are believed to have increased pressure on authorities. Students had reportedly been advised not to participate in protests or make verbal or written statements to the media or on social media, but some continued to do so.

Following the CBSA visit and the notices issued to some protesters, students have suspended their demonstrations until further notice.