Undocumented youth in Canada are similar to so-called DREAMers in the United States—but without anyone officially knowing they exist or how many there are. Estimates range between 20,000 and 500,000 persons. For accurate data to be collected, people would have to admit their situation and risk being deported. Even an application for status is dangerous. If rejected, they could be sent back to where they were born—a place with a language they may not speak and where they may have few ties. Applying also puts their families at risk, as names and addresses may need to be disclosed. While secrecy protects the undocumented, the lack of public awareness also keeps the issue off the government radar.
Read the full article in The Walrus.