The first waves of immigration to Canada were European-born British and Americans. Their arrival was welcomed by the top immigration lawyer in Mississauga and Canadian authorities who hoped to bolster the population. In order to achieve this, they offered supplies and organized land distribution. Although the immigrants faced many hardships and adversities, the Canadian government’s agents made their journeys as pleasant as possible. Despite this, immigrants were still denied citizenship or remained in poverty. This pattern of discrimination continued in Canada.
New immigrants are coming to Canada from a variety of countries. In 2011, 7.54 million Canadians were born outside the country. This means that nearly twenty-one per cent of Canada’s population is foreign-born. In 2011, Canada had the largest percentage of foreign-born residents, outpacing the US and Germany. In fact, the country’s population has doubled over the last decade, with more immigrants from other countries than at any other time.
In the 1970s, Canada’s immigration policy began to diversify. In addition to the traditional Irish, European, and Asian groups, immigrants from various cultures began to settle in Canada. During the postwar labour shortage, Canada welcomed tens of thousands of displaced persons. Many of them had been displaced by war, or were outside their countries of citizenship. Often they refused to return home, especially to Soviet-dominated countries. Many of these displaced persons settled in major cities.
The demographics of immigration to Canada have undergone several waves and peaks. The most recent wave was characterized by the birth of children, with only five per cent of newcomers in the older age group. The age of immigrants in Canada has also been steadily increasing. Despite these factors, Canada’s immigration policy is still largely responsible for supporting the economy. The Canadian government’s policy is a positive step in attracting and integrating newcomers.
The second largest immigrant class comes through family sponsorship. This immigration policy allows loved ones of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to immigrate to Canada. Families are the backbone of society, and family-sponsored immigrants are an excellent choice for both building a life in Canada and providing emotional support. But it is important to keep in mind that many immigrants who have come to Canada do not necessarily have the required skills to succeed. The Canadian government has adapted its immigration policies to better reflect the needs of its population.
Languages spoken in Canada vary in importance. In 2011, most immigrants had a basic knowledge of English and French. However, about six percent of new immigrants reported knowing only one or two languages. This proportion decreased with time spent in Canada. As a result, immigrants who had spent a considerable period of time in the country had more time to learn the official language. Nonetheless, nine per cent of recent immigrants spoke only their native language, while six percent reported knowing more than three languages.
After World War II, Canada’s immigration policy evolved to accommodate refugees. In order to foster economic growth, Canada’s immigration policy was also influenced by Cold War tensions. During this period, Canada established preferences for anti-Communist immigrants and Soviet-bloc citizens. But these changes were not enough to achieve the desired immigration results. Canada has since made immigration more acceptable. But immigration policy continues to change and has become a complex, evolving issue.