Young immigrants are not prepared to identify themselves as citizens of Canada

Mark was a well-adjusted young black student in Toronto and was committed to his studies. He was deeply grateful to Canada and its people for the opportunities that were provided to him after his immigration from Trinidad in 1995.

Yet, seven years after coming to Canada, Mark continued to identify himself as a “definitely Trini”.

A professor in education, sociology and social work at the York University in Toronto, Carl James interviewed Mark. To James, Mark’s story is same to that of many young immigrants who have a positive experience of Canada but still are not prepared to completely identify themselves as Canadian citizens.

Mark’s story illustrates to James, the complexities of black identity in a country that has historically been dominated by white culture. James says that because of that history, many young immigrants feel that since they are not white, they will forever be seen as non-Canadian.

Daniel Weinstock, from the University of Montreal, described the immigrant experience of Canada as more positive than most other jurisdictions in the world. He said that the model has worked very well and we should really think long and hard before put an end to the current immigration practices.

But other people also sounded warnings that of this trend is left unaddressed then it could hamper the progress.

The main thing among the worrying trends is the growing link between immigration and poverty.

The notorious 2005 riots in suburban Paris, for example, was due the anger caused after the realization by the immigrants that their role in the French society was nothing more than providing cheap labour from former colonies, said Grace-Edward Galabuzi, from Ryerson University in Toronto.

In the case of Mark, the young Trinidadian, it is not poverty or race that sets him apart, James noted. Rather, there were cultural traditions that led him to conclude that the results would not be in his favor if be becomes fully assimilated.

James said that Mark is enjoying the best of both worlds.