You are connecting from Lake Geneva Public Library, please login or register to take advantage of your institution's Ground News Plan.
Published 10 days ago • loading... • Updated 9 days ago
Mother, son march in protest as Turkish, Syrian nationals face immigration limbo
Sefika Ozlem Yaman Sahin is seeking a two-year extension for TS2023 permits as more than 8,000 people signed a petition.
On July 19, Sefika Ozlem Yaman Sahin began a 500-kilometre march from Toronto to Ottawa, protesting the termination of the TS2023 humanitarian program that provided temporary work permits to Turkish and Syrian nationals.
The TS2023 measure provided three-year open work permits following the February 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake, which the United Nations called "one of the biggest disasters to impact the region in recent times."
Liberal MP Sima Acan presented a petition with more than 8,000 signatures in the House of Commons this March, calling for a 24-month extension to enable pathways toward permanent residency.
Can Ors, a father from Montreal, faces permit expiration in December, while an estimated 9,000 affected individuals fear losing their status despite investing emotionally and financially in their Canadian futures.
Ottawa maintains the TS2023 program was strictly temporary and has concluded, directing eligible Turkish and Syrian nationals to apply for visa renewals through regular immigration programs instead.