Kitchener to make city services more accessible to migrants without documents

Kitchener will work on a policy that would help migrants without documentation have freedom to access city services.

An “Access Without Fear” policy has been in the works though the city's Safe and Healthy Advisory Committee, and Kitchener council unanimously voted at a meeting Monday to work with the committee to eventually put a policy in place.

Kitchener will also develop a public education campaign to help migrants without status be aware this policy exists.

Kitchener Councillor Christine Michaud said, “There are an estimated 200,000 to 500,000 non-status migrants that are living across Canada, who enter the country through authorized channels as refugee claimants, with valid student visas, as temporary foreign workers, or with a visitor visa, but find themselves becoming a non-status person in Canada through the loss of these permits.”

She also noted that people who lose permits become subject to detention and deportation, may have to work in poor conditions, face poverty, abuse, and exploitation.  

“Right now, there are certain members of our community, who find themselves in a limbo with their immigration status. They face barriers when accessing community services because they're scared to identify themselves to any perceived authority,” said Rawan Hussein, a member of the Safe and Healthy Advisory Committee.

Mary Lou Rou, chair of the Community Coalition on Refugee and Immigrant Concerns, an advocacy group told Kitchener councillors, “We believe access without fear will make for an even stronger, more vibrant and integrated city, with less pressure on expensive remedial supports, such as food banks, emergency shelters, emergency shelters.”

She said migrants, who lose their permits experience trouble developing a social support network, have fears of using police services, and are in a constant state of crisis to have basic needs met.

Children may also lack nutrition if there aren't enough financial funds. 

“Those without status tend to withdraw with connecting with community and we find our programs and our services out of our community centres are one of the major ways that people find connections within the community,” said Mark Hildebrand, director of neighbourhood programs and services for Kitchener. 

He noted these connections may help people find ways to get status and supports. 

Other cities, including Vancouver, Montreal, Guelph, and Toronto are also looking to put similar policies in place.