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Citizenship and Immigration Canada will not be allowing an amnesty for undocumented workers despite calls from community groups, unions and industry associations.<\/p>\n
It is estimated that 200,000 workers without legal status in Canada are working in the country, with some placing the number closer to half a million. Portuguese and Hispanic groups, who represent the largest constituency of these workers, have joined forces with union groups and home builder associations to lobby the federal government to declare a one-time amnesty to regularize their status. In a letter on October 18th to the Universal Workers Union, a spokesperson for Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) stated that amnesty was not in the cards as it would lead to more illegal immigration and would not be fair to those following the process legally.<\/p>\n
While the coalition had reached an understanding with former Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Joe Volpe on a regularization proces, the initiative was stifled by opposition within the government. Union and Industry leaders have argued that most of the individuals in question are in fact employed and keeping the construction sector afloat, along with performing a number of other jobs necessary to the economy. CIC however argues that such a move would send the wrong message about the immigration process, and instead is focusing on better adapting the legal mechanisms to meet Canadian economic demand.<\/p>\n