Standing Up for International Students in Brampton

Brampton is home to tens of thousands of international students. They study at local colleges, work in local businesses and are part of Brampton's community life. Many of them come from Punjab and other parts of India, often with their families' savings riding on their education. For years, Karan Devgan has used his voice and his platform to stand up for them.

Why this matters to Karan

Karan has spent his career in Brampton: in entertainment, business, real estate and community work. Through Flower City Bhangra, Flower City Gidha and his businesses, he has met many students, and has seen the pressures they face far from home:

• Housing. Overcrowded and unsafe rentals, and landlords who take advantage of newcomers who don't know their rights.
• Work. Low pay, unpaid wages and employers who exploit students' immigration status.
• Fraud. Fake admission letters, tuition scams and dishonest agents who leave students with debts and uncertain futures.
• Policy changes. Sudden changes to study permits, work permits and pathways to permanent residence that throw students' plans into doubt.
• Blame. Students being blamed for housing and job problems they didn't create.

Speaking up

Karan believes international students deserve the same dignity and fair treatment as anyone else in Brampton. He has spoken up publicly about how students are treated and has called for:

• Fair and transparent rules, with enough notice before changes take effect
• Accountability for fraudulent agents, scam operators and exploitative employers
• Safe, legal and affordable housing
• Respect for students' contribution to Brampton's economy and culture

Community is how we look after each other

Karan's view is simple. The students who come to Brampton are tomorrow's entrepreneurs, homeowners, artists and community leaders. Many already teach and perform Bhangra and Gidha, open small businesses and volunteer in the city. Looking after them is part of looking after Brampton.

Get in touch

If you're a student who needs support, or an organization working on these issues, reach out to Karan.