Actually, entering Canada is not as easy as it might seem. You yourself often point out in this forum how uncertain obtaining temporary visas can be, which is true. So claiming that entry to Canada is easy is simply an illusion...
Secondly, the majority of Canadians do not have a problem with immigration. Criticism is usually directed at the economic situation especially post-COVID and any hostility toward immigrants is marginal. When it exists, it is less about outright rejection and more about specific behavioral issues among certain groups, which is not the fault of their country of origin, culture, or history, but rather of local educational realities where social ethics may not be emphasized. Interestingly, members of these communities often obtain permanent residence through skilled worker programs or Canadian experience, which highlights that Canada’s immigration system is fundamentally bureaucratic it evaluates documents and paperwork more than the personal qualities of applicants.
Therefore, the idea that the Canadian government will remove those who have little chance of obtaining PR whether as skilled workers or through sponsorship is extremely unlikely. It is also important not to compare Canada to the U.S where the ideological climate is very different. A couple of years ago in 2022/2023 IRCC even mentioned the possibility of large scale regularization (which I personally did not believe, as I’ve learned never to fully trust IRCC). However, as political tensions increased with Trudeau’s government and opposition pressure, and with Conservatives using immigration issues to criticize Trudeau and link him to economic concerns, the government suddenly shifted its rhetoric, emphasizing the need to reduce immigration. This demonstrates that recent government statements on immigration often reflect political expediency rather than true conviction.
Immigration is thus often used as a poliical tool during elections, rather than being treated as a reality and integral part of Canadian society and economy. From my experience, people in precarious situations rarely even consider returning to their home countries they will stay. The state must acknowledge this reality honestly, unless it wants to exploit it, as it can be economically advantageous to have hundreds of thousands of people with limited rights working, paying rent, tuition, consuming, and contributing to the economy while living in the dark.
A proper regularization whether through humanitarian considerations, public interest programs, or temporary permits (TRP) is necessary, alongside a review of past mistakes... The post-2015 immigration changes and communication strategies have caused real damage, particularly regarding integration and fostering attachment to Canada