Canada prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive nation, yet recent years have witnessed a troubling surge in anti-international student sentiment, particularly targeting South Asian students. The enrollment of international students in Canadian post-secondary institutions has more than doubled over the past decade, increasing from 142,200 in 2010/2011 to 388,800 in 2019/2020, with a further 29% rise in 2023 (Statistics Canada, 2024; IRCC). Notably, over 55% of international students in 2022 were from India. This growing animosity can be traced to long-standing anti-immigration sentiments, political scapegoating, and divisive ideologies surrounding immigration policies.
Historically, Canadian immigration policy has been influenced by labor market needs, often reflecting racial discrimination and exclusion. Canada has a complex legacy of rejecting certain groups—such as Panjabis, Eastern Europeans, Jews, Chinese, and Blacks—while initially favoring immigrants from British or Western European backgrounds. Over time, the need for labor forced the country to diversify its immigration strategies, albeit often in response to local resistance. Such historical patterns indicate that when labor was required, policies shifted to invite workers from countries like India and China. However, when societal pressures mounted, the government frequently resorted to caps or bans (sometimes in the form of head tax or sometimes in the form of a cap on international students or immigrants), demonstrating a willingness to exclude or deport temporary residents when convenient.
The inclusion of international students began in earnest after the 1960s, when Canada sought to eliminate racial discrimination from its immigration framework to meet immigration targets. Although international students initially lacked robust policy support, their economic contributions became increasingly recognized. Nonetheless, this focus remained primarily on addressing immediate labor market needs rather than fostering long-term community integration.
The evolution of policies governing international students reflects a broader anti-immigrant sentiment, where newcomers are often scapegoated for existing societal issues such as job shortages, housing crises, and crime surges. Despite being valuable contributors to the Canadian educational landscape—enriching it with diverse cultural perspectives—international students face undue blame for systemic issues. The government’s unplanned increase in international student admissions, without sufficient infrastructure and support, has exacerbated resource and housing challenges. Anti-immigration rhetoric frequently claims that immigrants are “stealing jobs” or causing crimes. Most importantly, the lack of adequate laws and measures to monitor online hate has led to a significant increase in anti-South Asian sentiment on social media, resulting in mental, social, and often physical distress for these students.. Many regions, particularly Waterloo, have seen a significant rise in hate crimes targeting international students. Rather than addressing the core issues within Canadian society, policies tend to shift blame onto these students, fueling anti-international sentiment. This approach underscores a troubling tendency to scapegoat “outsiders” rather than confronting the systemic problems that demand real solutions.
As Canada continues to grapple with its identity as a multicultural nation, it is crucial to reassess how international students are treated and acknowledged within the broader socio-economic landscape.
Recommendations for Government Policy
Promote Awareness Campaigns: Launch national campaigns showcasing the cultural, economic, and academic contributions of international students to counter negative perceptions.
Enhance Support Infrastructure: Invest in housing, healthcare, and academic resources tailored to the needs of international students for effective integration.
Implement Community Engagement: Facilitate programs that promote interaction between international students and local communities to foster understanding and reduce xenophobia.
Establish Clear Immigration Policies: Develop transparent policies prioritizing the long-term integration of international students as valued members of society.
Strengthen Anti-Discrimination Laws: Enforce and expand legislation to protect international students from harassment and discrimination.
Monitor Policies: Regularly assess the impact of policies on international students to promote inclusion and address root causes of anti-international sentimen
Develop Reporting Mechanisms: Create confidential systems for international students to report discrimination or harassment, ensuring accountability.Enhance Mental Health Services: Provide accessible mental health resources addressing the unique challenges faced by international students.
