According to information published in the Toronto Star, undocumented workers in Canada could obtain permanent residency through a federal government program.

There are approximately 500,000 undocumented residents in Canada, many of whom work precarious jobs in construction, cleaning, caregiving, food processing and agriculture.

Additionally, undocumented residents face a number of vulnerabilities, including poor mental and physical health caused by social isolation and abusive working conditions.

The new program builds on an earlier, smaller-scale initiative that helped undocumented construction workers gain permanent status in Canada.

However, it is not yet known how many workers could benefit from the program.

Three experts consulted anonymously by the Toronto Star said the program would likely target workers in particular sectors, rather than take a broader approach.

The vast majority of undocumented residents arrived in Canada legally, but lost their status due to issues with student visas, temporary work permits, or refugee claims.

For his part, the executive director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, Syed Hussan, said this is due to an increasingly temporary immigration system, where many residents struggle to extend permits. short-term and obtain permanent residence.

Advocates say obtaining permanent immigrant status would lift undocumented residents out of an underground economy plagued by theft and wage abuse, make health care and other social services more accessible, and help fill vacant positions.

March for regularization

On September 18, a march will take place in Christie Pits Park, Ontario, to demand the regularization of 1.7 million undocumented workers.

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My name is Alexa and I am a communicator from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. I am passionate about journalism and everything related to language and writing. Volunteering occupies an important place in my life and I have collaborated with various civil associations for the defense of human rights. Meet me 🙂