Destination Canada: Immigration Debates and Issues
Source: http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3668/is_200404/ai_n9376157



Destination Canada: Immigration Debates and Issues

International Migration Review, The, Spring 2004 by Fong, Eric



Destination Canada: Immigration Debates and Issues. By Peter S. Li. Oxford University Press.



This book is about immigration in Canada, an important topic for a country with a long history of immigration. With the more recent influx of immigrants from non-European countries, immigration has generated considerable debate in Canada. This book addresses issues raised in the debate and provides a perspective on these issues based on existing literature.



The discussion begins with a review of Canadian social history. Li reminds readers that the history of Canada is closely linked with immigration. Immigration has shaped institutional development and demographic changes throughout the development of the country. He notes that the drastic changes in immigration policies after the Second World War set the stage for the recent influx of non-European immigrants that has led to a set of unique issues related to this new wave of immigration.



The first issue that Li addresses is the relationship between the Canadian population and immigration. Given that Canada has experienced a low fertility rate and a growing elderly population, Li argues that immigration plays a crucial role in maintaining the growth of the Canadian population. Although some have argued that the Canadian economy has transformed into one that is knowledge based and does not require substantial population, Li argues that technological advancement cannot maintain Canada as an economic power if its population declines. In addition, some have said that Canada\'s capacity for absorbing immigrants is limited. Li suggests that both the density of population and the ratio of immigrants to native born remains low, which suggests that the country is far from its capacity limit.



The second issue that Li discusses is the economic consequences of immigration. After reviewing the literature, Li concludes that research findings do not support the notion that immigration has negative consequences for the Canadian economy. Instead, they show that the Canadian economy has benefited from immigration. Results have indicated that the earnings of immigrants are comparable to those of native-born Canadians. However, the results also point out that earnings are lower for immigrants when various factors are controlled. The patterns reveal that immigrants may face unequal opportunities in the labor market. These unequal opportunities are not simply due to differences in human capital; inequality stems from \"differences in gender, race, immigration status, and types of credentials\" (p. 122).



The third immigration issue explored in the hook is diversity. As the Canadian population has become more diversified, largely due to recent immigration from nonEuropean countries, immigrant adjustment has become an issue. Li contends that the debate stems from the adjustment of a large proportion of non-European immigrants to a country with established European traditions. Drawing from research findings, Li argues that, in the long run, immigrants integrate to Canadian society in various aspects. He also refutes the argument that mtilticulturalist policies create segregation of cultural and linguistic groups, citing significant documentation of patterns of gradual integration of immigrants into thewider society and the rapid loss of homeland language in succeeding generations.



Since a large number of immigrants settle in cities, the impact of immigration on Canadian cities can be substantial. Li acknowledges that the presence of large numbers of immigrants can increase residential concentration and create pressure on local school systems such that quality may be compromised. He suggests that racial residential segregation may increase, but that it is related to various factors beyond immigration. In addition, he argues that the concerns of the school system seem partly to be about the racial origin of immigrants and affluent consumption patterns of wealthy immigrant groups. From the literature, he concludes that immigration benefits the city. It provides forces of growth, intcrnationalizes cities, and facilitates social change.



At the end of the discussion, Li argues that the immigration debate in Canada should be understood within the context of globalization. Clobalization facilitates the migration of highly skilled workers and of refugees seeking asylum. Globalization also shapes the discussion of how immigration benefits Canada.



I found the book informative. It provides updated information and a summary of major debates in the area of immigration. The book is especially useful for graduate students and those who want to learn more about immigration in Canada.



ERIC FONG



University of Toronto



Copyright Center for Migration Studies Spring 2004