On October 24, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced a brand new immigration coverage that may scale back Canada’s immigration consumption by 21 p.c in 2025—reducing the beforehand projected 500,000 newcomers to simply 395,000. The coverage additionally imposes stricter rules on undergraduate and grasp’s scholar visas, risking additional marginalization of Canada’s worldwide scholar inhabitants. Whereas the federal government frames this resolution as a response to fast inhabitants progress and strained sources, it displays a troubling sample of scapegoating immigrants to divert consideration from deeper systemic points, reminiscent of a stagnant economic system, unaffordable housing, and rising crime.
Canada has lengthy touted its dedication to multiculturalism, enshrined within the 1988 Canadian Multiculturalism Act, which celebrates range. Nevertheless, latest years have seen a troubling rise in racism. Hate crimes focusing on South Asians, particularly the Indian immigrant group, surged by 143 p.c between 2019 and 2022. Furthermore, 41 p.c of Black Canadians report experiencing discrimination based mostly on their pores and skin coloration—a determine 15 instances larger than that of non-Indigenous, non-racialized teams. This rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric, usually tied to frustrations over housing shortages, solely fuels racial tensions. Immigrants, notably these from seen minority teams, are unfairly blamed for societal points whereas governments and companies evade duty for his or her function in creating these challenges.
Anti-immigrant sentiment in Canada usually stems from racial prejudice, particularly in opposition to individuals of coloration. “Seen immigrants,” reminiscent of these of Asian, Black, or Indigenous descent, are disproportionately focused by xenophobia, whereas white or white-passing immigrants are inclined to keep away from the identical scrutiny, no matter their nation of origin. This successfully turns the time period “immigrant” right into a euphemism for individuals of coloration, embedding systemic racism in each Canadian insurance policies and societal attitudes. Seen minorities face not solely public discrimination but additionally unequal remedy in policing, employment, and healthcare.
The irony is stark: aside from Indigenous peoples, all Canadians are both immigrants or descendants of immigrants. It’s contradictory that lots of those that decry immigration are sometimes benefiting from a system constructed on the exploitation of Indigenous lands and peoples.
Worldwide college students play an important function in Canadian universities, contributing to the cultural range of campuses and supporting the monetary sustainability of educational establishments. Making up about 30 p.c of the scholar physique and paying the very best tuition charges, worldwide college students assist to keep up Canada’s world competitiveness in schooling. By lowering their numbers, this new immigration coverage dangers diminishing the standard of Canadian universities and diluting the range that’s key to fostering understanding and combating racism. Publicity to college students from completely different backgrounds is among the only methods to counter the rising xenophobia in Canada.
As an alternative of blaming immigrants for social challenges, the Canadian authorities ought to concentrate on bettering public providers and social security nets, addressing the housing disaster, increasing transportation choices, and decreasing the price of dwelling. Universities should additionally proceed to advocate for worldwide college students, guaranteeing equitable entry and honest remedy. Most significantly, Canada’s leaders should take duty for the failings of their very own insurance policies and establishments, slightly than scapegoating susceptible immigrant populations.
Canada’s proud multicultural id is at a crossroads. If the nation is to reside as much as its promise of inclusivity, it should reject divisive politics and work towards options that profit all Canadians, no matter the place they arrive from.
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