3.7K% Rise in US Hate Crimes Against Sikhs; Canada Introduces Immigration Changes

April

2026

Hate crimes against Sikhs in the US have seen a massive rise over the past decade. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) data shows a 3.7K% increase from just six in 2015 to 228 in 2025, highlighting growing concern about targeted violence against the Sikhs. Across the US, total hate crime incidents increased by 88% between 2015 and 2025. However, in 2025, there was an 11% drop compared to 2024. A 2025 report by the Sikh Coalition found that Sikhs were the third most targeted religious group in 2024. It is important to note that anti-Sikh hate crimes have only been tracked as a separate category in recent years. This means earlier data may not fully show the scale of the issue. The data also shows an increase across several other groups over the past decade. Anti-transgender hate crimes recorded the largest rise at 395%, followed by anti-Latino incidents at 239%. Anti-Asian hate crimes rose by 195%, while anti-Jewish hate crimes increased by 123%. Anti-Black hate crimes rose by 66%, anti-white by 51%, and anti-gay male incidents by 27%. Meanwhile, after Canada’s House of Commons passed the Combatting Hate Act aimed in part at curbing Khalistani extremism, the Act also strengthened penalties for hate crimes and introduced protest-free zones around places of worship. Amid this, residents in parts of Canada reported disruptions over the Easter weekend as Khalistan-related demonstrations took place in residential neighborhoods. Witnesses described groups of demonstrators gathering outside, chanting and displaying signs related to political issues originating outside Canada, namely India. Concurrently, starting April 2026, Canada has introduced a series of immigration changes that affect citizens, permanent residents and visa applications, including by Panjabis. With Guaranteed Investment Certificate already more than doubled from CAD 10K to CAD 22K, these fee hikes work as further deterrents to students, including Panjabi students, seeking admission in Canada. A 10-year adult passport now costs CAD 163.50 while a 5-year adult passport is priced at CAD 122.50. Rural employers can now employ up to 15% of their workforce as low-wage foreign workers, up from the previous 10%. This measure is in place until March 2027, depending on provincial participation (earlier coverage).