Lawyers Warn Undocumented Children Face Risks from Long Immigration Waits

Undocumented youth in Canada express feelings of worry and hopelessness due to decades-long processing times for permanent residence under the humanitarian and compassionate pathway, their primary immigration option. Lawyers warn that vulnerable minors may lose legal status, forcing them underground and limiting their access to work, education, and healthcare. Currently, only 1,100 applicants will be accepted annually under this stream, despite a backlog of over 55,000 applications. Personal accounts from undocumented youth illustrate the stress and uncertainty stemming from their precarious immigration status and the impact on their futures.