CBC News has learned the government is processing the last of 18,000 applications filled out by Afghans hoping to come here through the special immigration program. Refugee advocates say the decision to end the program abandons Afghans desperate to come to this country. The program was created nearly a year ago, just weeks before Kabul fell to the Taliban in August 2021 and before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government promised to bring 40,000 Afghans to safety here. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada online referral the gate to the program is still open, but a spokesman for Immigration Minister Sean Fraser confirmed in a media statement that all spots on the program have been taken. “IRCC has applications for more than 15,000 Afghans and their family members in various stages of processing,” he wrote. “Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and National Defense have shared references with IRCC on the remaining points.” The Toronto Star first reported that the program appeared to be closing in mid-June, prompting a coalition of humanitarian organizations to issue a joint statement condemning the move.
