Social Locations – Undocumented Persons
Equity Framework > Social Locations > Undocumented Persons
The City of Toronto defines an undocumented Torontonian as an immigrant without full status or full status documents. Being undocumented is not a permanent condition, it can be a fluid status of precarious migration. Many undocumented persons have lived in Toronto for years, even decades, and work in essential services, pay taxes, and contribute to the economy [1].
It is difficult to determine how many people live in Canada without immigration status. Estimates suggest that there may be between 20,000 and 500,000 undocumented people living in Canada. It is estimated that 50 % of undocumented persons living in Canada reside in Toronto [2]. Immigration status impacts eligibility for various services, shaping who can access services and the types of services. In turn, undocumented persons face barriers that may challenge their ability to access services [2].
References
- City of Toronto. (2023). Toronto for All: Undocumented Residents. Available from: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/get-involved/community/toronto-for-all/past-campaigns/
- City of Toronto (2017). Refugees, Refugee Claimants and Undocumented Torontonians – Recent Trends and Issues, Report for Action. Retrieved February 14, 2020,from https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2017/cd/bgrd/backgroundfile-102520.pdf