Every dawn, the sun rises over the Greater Toronto Area, lighting the paths of thousands of undocumented workers who silently navigate their daily lives, laboring in construction sites, cleaning homes, and providing care. They live in a precarious situation, having overstayed their visas or been denied refugee status, which denies them the legal right to remain or work in Canada.

While many might think of undocumented migrants as having crossed borders illegally, most in Canada entered with valid temporary permits—whether as foreign workers, students, or tourists. Yet, as their circumstances changed, these permits expired, leaving them in a limbo of uncertainty, fear, and vulnerability.

Estimates suggest that as many as 500,000 undocumented individuals exist in Canada, but exact numbers are hard to establish due to their hidden nature. The struggles they face within a convoluted immigration system deprive them of legal support and access to adequate employment, healthcare, and housing. The Globe and Mail followed these individuals to various congregating spots in Toronto, including churches and support centers, highlighting their stories while maintaining necessary anonymity for their safety.

Worryingly, immigration experts predict this undocumented population could grow markedly in the coming years. Amidst global crises and tightening restrictions on routes to permanent residency, many non-permanent residents may choose to overstay their visas rather than return to uncertain or dangerous situations in their home countries.

While some small-scale regularization programs have been tested, the Canadian government recently abandoned a wider citizenship pathway intended for undocumented workers, citing changing public sentiment about immigration. This has raised alarms among advocates who believe that such decisions could lead to more hardship for migrants already facing the specter of detention and deportation. The Canada Border Services Agency aims to increase deportations by 25% this year, which only heightens the anxieties of those living in the shadows.

Michael Barutciski, an associate professor of international studies, warns against fostering a growing undocumented population without the appropriate legal structures to support them. He emphasizes, “A responsible government needs to be concerned about public reaction turning against migration. We don’t want to head toward a climate akin to that in the U.S., where harsh anti-migrant sentiments prevail.”

Still, many undocumented immigrants cling to hope for a legal path to residency and citizenship, sharing their trials and aspirations:

Marco, 48, from Mexico City

Marco arrived in Canada in 2008 under a tourist visa. Today, he works for less than minimum wage, oscillating between jobs as cleaners and maintenance workers. Despite being exploited, he sends financial support home to his mother. With no family doctor, he relies on limited healthcare access but expresses a staunch desire to remain in Canada: “I want to live here forever,” he states, having realized a semblance of peace amid uncertainty.

Santos, 36, from Pangasinan, Philippines

Santos came to Canada on a temporary work visa in quest of better opportunities. After a swift layoff from a seafood processing job, she found herself cleaning under-the-table, often overworked and underpaid. With the help of Migrante Ontario, Santos successfully obtained an open work permit, allowing her to escape a toxic work situation and finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Alejandro, 34, from Mexico City

Alejandro, motivated by higher wages in Canada, arrived a year ago but is now faced with the difficulties of undocumented life as he waits for job opportunities. His involvement in a construction union keeps his spirits buoyed, although he remains anxious about healthcare access should he suffer an injury outside work.

Fernanda and Wilber, 22 and 23, from Bogotá, Colombia

Facing threats from armed groups in Colombia, Fernanda and Wilber made perilous journeys through multiple countries to seek refuge in Canada. After their refugee claim was denied, the couple has resorted to hiding and restricted their activities, fearing deportation. Their plight is a reminder of the stark reality faced by many who seek to escape violence and persecution.

Micua, 39, from Pangasinan, Philippines

After years supporting his family as a domestic worker, Micua moved to Canada on a student visa, hoping to build a new life. However, he succumbed to exploitation by recruiters who charged him exorbitant fees for employment opportunities that failed to materialize, leaving him hopeless and disconnected from his roots.

Rayon Barrett, 36, from Kingston, Jamaica

Rayon’s journey led him from a stable job in Jamaica to a rocky path in Canada. After years of irregular work and the struggle to secure legal residency, he finally gained permanent residency and has since returned to school, driven by the hope of a better future. With empathy, he remarks on the plight of those still undocumented, drawing from his own experiences.

As policy discussions evolve and the realities faced by undocumented migrants become more pronounced, their stories challenge our perceptions of immigration and highlight the pressing need for solutions that ensure dignity, legal status, and integration for all individuals contributing to our society—regardless of their current status.

The Bigger Picture: Canada’s Immigration Landscape

The vibrant mosaic that is Canada continues to be shaped not only by its citizens but also by the multitude of migrant stories interwoven within its fabric. As the narrative of undocumented migrants unfolds, it sparks dialogues that question our collective values and societal responsibilities. Will Canada take the steps needed to foster a more inclusive environment for all? Only time will tell.