Changed immigration rules making Canada less welcoming

Canada, 5th October: Potential immigrants to Canada are being discouraged due to Canada immigration reforms.

This has been revealed by the findings of a latest study.

Immigration changes focus on short-term benefits--Named ‘Shaping the future: Canada’s rapidly changing immigration policies’, the report by Maytree, a Toronto based think tank, states that Canadian government has made a series of changes to Canada immigration rules.

But these changes have focused on short-term benefits, thus failing to address long-term requirements of Canadian economy. So, such reforms are lowering not just Canada’s reputation of being a welcoming nation to new immigrants but also threatening nation-building targets.

Canada’s reputation at stake--In the period of last four years, Canada has introduced around six dozen reforms to its immigration system. And the study by Karen Cohl and Naomi Alboim clarifies that majority of such changes have resulted in problems. This means Canada’s future can get affected due to immigration changes focused at short-term labor needs only.

Immigration changes without requisite consultations with either the public or the provinces are threatening the reputation of Canada among potential immigrants needed by Canadian economy.

Invite nationwide views on required immigration reforms and its benefits—Canada must invite public and Canadian provinces to share their views with regard the changes needed in Canada immigration system and their advantages for the nation.

Canadian immigration minister Jason Kenney has been asserting that Canada’s immigration system was in dire need of several reforms as the old immigration process of Canada was broken.

Let immigrants already in Canada work on temporary jobs—Another suggestion hinted by the report is that employers in Canada must be encouraged to hire immigrants already in Canada on temporary foreign worker jobs.

This can help jobless or under-employed immigrants and refugees get employment in Canada and help them integrate in Canadian society.

Following reforms suggested by the study—The study authors suggest following reforms needed in Canada immigration system—

• Basing the immigration system primarily on long-term aims, including both economic and social aims, along with a commitment to Canadian citizenship;

• Need for a fair and a comprehensive immigration policy based on evidence and respectful of human rights;

• Developing an immigration policy by inviting meaningful consultations from stakeholders, public, territories and provinces;

• Having an immigration policy that ensures enhancing nation’s reputation globally.