Canada is experiencing a significant shift in its immigration landscape, with recent data indicating a tightening of policies and a surge in visa rejections. This change comes as the country grapples with mounting public concerns over the impact of immigration on the cost of living and infrastructure.
The shift in immigration trends has become a focal point of political discourse as Canada approaches a federal election. Recent polling reveals a marked change in public perception towards immigration, with many Canadians expressing reservations about current immigration levels.
Rising Visa Rejections
In recent months, there has been an unprecedented increase in visitor visa rejections in Canada. According to data obtained by Reuters, the ratio of refused to approved visitor visa applications has reached its highest point since the peak of the pandemic. In several months of 2024, including January, February, May, and June, immigration officials rejected more applications than they approved.
Record Entry Refusals
In July 2024, Canada refused entry to nearly 6,000 foreign travelers, including students, workers, and tourists. This figure represents the highest number of entry refusals since at least January 2019. The increase in refusals aligns with the overall trend of tightening immigration controls.
Increased Hostility Towards Immigrants
Immigration lawyers have reported an increase in visa rejections and a rise in hostile attitudes towards their clients. Some have noted that people are now more comfortable expressing anti-immigrant sentiments openly. This change in public discourse reflects the broader shift in attitudes towards immigration.
Changing Public Perception
Recent polling has revealed a significant shift in how Canadians perceive immigration. Recent polling shows that around 75% of respondents believe increased immigration is straining the housing and healthcare systems, while 63% feel it is also pressuring the education system. This change in public sentiment comes amid a mounting cost of living crisis in the country.
Reassessment of Permanent Residency Applications
Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced that his ministry will reassess the number of people applying for permanent residency. This move indicates a potential shift in Canada’s long-term immigration strategy. The reassessment aims to address concerns about the sustainability of current immigration levels.
Surge in Temporary Foreign Workers
In recent years, Canada has seen a significant increase in the number of temporary foreign workers. In 2023, employers were approved to hire under 240,000 temporary foreign workers, more than double the 108,988 hired in 2018. This rapid growth has raised concerns about the program’s management and impact.
Scaling Back Temporary Foreign Workers Program
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that the government will scale back the controversial Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) program. This decision follows a surge in applications and recent criticism of the program. A UN special rapporteur condemned the program as a “breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery.”
Potential Reduction in Permanent Residents
Prime Minister Trudeau has also suggested the possibility of reducing the number of permanent residents Canada accepts annually. This consideration marks a significant departure from years of increased immigration levels under his tenure. The potential shift reflects growing concerns about the sustainability of current immigration rates.
Infrastructure and Housing Challenges
The government has conceded that the volume of immigrants, combined with a lack of federal and provincial investment in infrastructure, has contributed to a mounting crisis. This acknowledgment highlights the complex relationship between immigration levels and the country’s ability to provide adequate housing and services.
Decline in Study and Work Permits
Alongside the increase in visitor visa rejections, Canada has also witnessed a drop in the number of approved study and work permits. This trend signifies a broader tightening of immigration policies across various categories. The shift appears to be informal and not dictated by an official change in policy.
Plan to Sustain Permanent Resident Numbers
In late 2023, the federal government announced a freeze on permanent resident targets for the next three years. This decision aims to ensure that immigration inflows remain sustainable. The freeze reflects a cautious approach to managing immigration levels in response to growing concerns.
Projected Immigration Numbers
The federal government’s goal is to admit 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024, followed by 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026. This marks a significant increase of over 50% compared to the 296,346 permanent residents admitted in 2016.
Political Implications
The shifting immigration landscape has become a significant political issue as Canada approaches a federal election. The government’s response to changing public sentiment and practical challenges associated with high immigration levels will likely play a crucial role in the upcoming political discourse.
Immigration as Economic Strategy
Despite the recent tightening, Trudeau and Miller have defended elevated immigration as a critical part of Canada’s economic growth strategy. They argue that immigration plays a crucial role in addressing labor shortages and fueling economic development. However, they have acknowledged the need for balance.
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