What it’s like to be an undocumented migrant in Canada
Mar 25, 2025
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Globe journalist Sarah Efron, who spent months researching Canada’s undocumented migrant community, shares her insights alongside freelance photographer Yader Guzman. They discuss the complexities of living without legal status, exploring why many migrants choose to stay despite risks of deportation. The conversation highlights personal stories of hardship, including economic struggles, workplace exploitation, and limited access to healthcare. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges these individuals face in their pursuit of a better life.
Undocumented migrants in Canada often choose to remain despite their precarious conditions, hoping for a legal pathway amidst ongoing challenges.
The harsh realities faced by undocumented individuals, including limited access to employment, healthcare, and housing, contribute to their vulnerable status and exploitation.
Deep dives
Rayon Barrett's Journey as an Undocumented Migrant
Rayon Barrett recounts his experience as an undocumented migrant in Canada, which began when he arrived on a six-month tourist visa from Jamaica. After his visa expired, he found himself without the legal status to work or access healthcare, facing numerous challenges while pursuing a better life. Despite recognizing the difficulties of his journey and accepting personal responsibility, the harsh realities of living without status were overwhelming and contributed to a precarious lifestyle. His story highlights the broader issue of Canada's undocumented population, which is often left in the shadows and denied crucial rights and support.
The Scope of Undocumented Migration in Canada
There is a significant undocumented migrant community in Canada, with academic estimates suggesting at least half a million individuals living without status, though exact numbers are difficult to ascertain. Many migrants initially enter Canada legally through tourist or temporary work visas but become undocumented when their status expires without a clear pathway to renewal or permanent residency. The political climate—including the government's focus on reducing temporary foreign workers—further complicates the situation as many undocumented migrants are left with difficult choices. As social and political factors evolve, experts predict that the number of undocumented individuals may continue to rise, exacerbating existing challenges.
Challenges Faced by Undocumented Migrants
Undocumented migrants in Canada face numerous challenges, including limited access to employment opportunities, healthcare, and housing, leading to exploitation and precarious living conditions. Many work under the table for low wages and encounter employers who take advantage of their vulnerable status, receiving little or no legal protection. The living arrangements for these individuals are often overcrowded and unsafe, with some facing the constant fear of deportation. Despite the hardships, many choose to remain in Canada, hoping for a pathway to legal status while navigating an unwelcoming system.
The population of undocumented migrants living and working in Canada is substantial. And while most of them initially entered the country legally, on visas or work permits, many migrants feel that it is worth it to stay in Canada after their status expires, even if they are not legally allowed to work or live in Canada and risk being deported.