Undocumented Immigrants Fear Losing Jobs, Being Deported in Order to Get COVID-19 Vaccine

Strategic Insights -

Migrant rights' advocates and public health experts are urging the city and the province to implement a targeted strategy to ensure undocumented immigrants feel safe enough to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The demands come as tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants living and working in Toronto face anxiety about losing their jobs or being deported if they disclose their immigration status to public health officials.

The current system, which requires people to present an OHIP card or a government-issued photo ID to book a vaccine appointment, is not inclusive of undocumented immigrants, who often do not have valid identification. Advocates are pushing for a clear plan that would allow people without any identification to still be vaccinated.

Key Takeaways:

  • According to the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health, there are an estimated 200,000 to 500,000 undocumented people living in Canada, with approximately half residing in the Toronto area.
  • Undocumented immigrants often work in essential roles, such as agriculture, construction, and caregiving.
  • Migrant rights' advocates are urging the province to explicitly state that the COVID-19 vaccine is free and available to everyone, including undocumented people.
  • Advocates are also pressing the ministry to clearly state that OHIP is not required and to expand the list of acceptable forms of identification to include government-issued ID from any country.
  • The Migrant Workers Alliance For Change has called for the ministry to prohibit staff or volunteers involved in administering the vaccine or booking appointments from sharing anyone's personal information with police or immigration enforcement.
  • Undocumented immigrants need "real assurances from people that they trust to let them know that they will not be put at greater risk by accessing the vaccine," according to Syed Hussan, executive director of the Migrant Workers Alliance For Change.
  • The City of Toronto has partnered with the FCJ Refugee Centre, which provides a range of services, including income supports and COVID-19 testing, to undocumented residents.

Statistics:

  • Estimated number of undocumented people living in Canada: 200,000 to 500,000
  • Number of undocumented immigrants living in the Toronto area: approximately 100,000 to 250,000
  • Percentage of undocumented immigrants who work in essential roles: unknown, but likely to be significant
  • Number of people who have been vaccinated through the shelter vaccination program: unknown
  • Total doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered: thousands

Sources:

  • University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health (no specific date)
  • "Migrant Workers Alliance For Change" (no specific date)
  • "The City of Toronto" (no specific date)
  • "The Star" (Brendan Kennedy, no specific date)