Immigrants face racism

Canada, December 19: Racism is a continuous affair experienced by migrants not just in the past but also in the present times as well. And its not just in places like South Africa, it is commonly experienced by different communities in Europe.

In the earlier periods, several Asian and African communities were made victims of racism and brutalization by nations including England and France. The minorities were made subject to colonization by nations so as not to make them a part of their systems.

No doubt, colonization has faded out in the present times, however, the fact is that racism does exist everywhere, in fact, even in Canadian communities as well. This is evident from numerous incidents related by several immigrants highlighting towards the existing racism in the Canadian system that needs to be taken serious view.

There is no denying the fact that Canada is a hospitable country that welcomes migrants from far and wide into its friendly ambience. However, that certainly cannot deny that an increasing number of immigrants are left with no option but to take jobs much below their educational background. And the reason cited by Canada for this seems to be quite vague- that the immigrants lack Canadian experience required for the jobs they look for.

Although, these immigrants are armed with requisite experience earned by them in their own respective countries including France, Sweden, Singapore, or even the US, yet their apathy is that they do not fit well to get employed at professional positions in Canada.

This is the apathy of not one or two but hundreds of immigrants arriving in Canada to make it big.  Nearly 46 percent of immigrants in Canada admit that finding the job that they are qualified for is the biggest challenge faced by them, reveals Statistics Canada. Nearly 20 percent of immigrants in Canada are skilled migrants who are given entry to the country because they can contribute towards economic growth and global competitiveness.

The need of the hour is to put into practice strict employment discrimination laws to end the pathetic conditions of immigrants in Canada. The natives of Canada need to nurture respect and understanding towards the immigrants. We need to accept and appreciate the contributions of immigrants for the nation.

Let us together resolve to work towards a Revised Residency Status System which gives fair treatment to help the immigrants integrate happily into our society.