Canada's Immigration System (U4e-learning activity2)

**Teacher**: Mr. N. Schlechta **Course**: CGC1W **Unit**: Canada's Changing Population **Date**: open **Timing**: **Strands**: D1., D2. **Assessment**: Formative **Reference Material**: Internet, other(eg. atlas, textbook) \*SUMMATIVE (Quiz) **Learning Goal**: Students can describe the diversity...

**Teacher**: Mr. N. Schlechta **Course**: CGC1W **Unit**: Canada's Changing Population **Date**: open **Timing**: **Strands**: D1., D2. **Assessment**: Formative **Reference Material**: Internet, other(eg. atlas, textbook) \*SUMMATIVE (Quiz) **Learning Goal**: Students can describe the diversity of Canada's population, and identify social, economic and political issues/implications related to immigration. Students have a basic understanding of how the immigration system works and that immigration and cultural diversity present both opportunities and challenges for Canadian communities. **Learning Activity U4\#2**: [PART A]: IMMIGRATION & CANADA As we have learned, an **immigrant** is a person who moves to a new country with the intention of settling there as a permanent resident. It should be noted that immigrants have been coming to, and contributing to, Canada for over 500 years. The fact that new citizens have come from nearly 200 different countries showcases Canada's global appeal and inclusive immigration policies. It is for this reason that Canada is often described as a land of immigrants - a reality given both its consistent influx of immigrants and the great many descendants of immigrants already here. Interestingly, according to recent census data, today almost one in four (24%) Canadians are foreign born. In recent years (2021-2024), record numbers of immigrants (approx. 450,000/year) have arrived in Canada. This has occurred out of need to balance our aging population and boost our workforce, but also in part because many other countries in the world do not accept immigrants. Many immigrants want to come to Canada because of its great many **pull factors**, one of which includes its **Policy of Multiculturalism** (est. 1971). It should also be acknowledged that **push factors** within a person's country of origin may also motivate people to move away/leave their homeland. More people immigrate to Canada than emigrate from Canada. The **immigration rate** and the **emigration rate** factor in to determining a country's **net migration rate** -- an important figure that (in part) helps determine a country's population growth rate. The number of people who would like to migrate to Canada far exceeds the number who are actually admitted. Because of this reality, and the significant costs on both sides, our government tries to provide potential immigrants with enough information so that they know whether it makes sense to even apply. Despite this, Canadian immigration officials are often swamped with applications, resulting in long delays in the process. The reason for the huge difference between the number of potential immigrants and the number who are accepted is quite simple -- it can be quite difficult to qualify. To qualify, all immigrants must apply and then also undergo a security/background check and health exam. **Immigrants may APPLY to one of [three classes/categories]**. The biggest group of immigrants (over 60%) are accepted because they will provide an [**economic** (skilled worker]) benefit to Canada, while other immigrants are accepted for social reasons (to re-unite **[family]**), or on humanitarian grounds (to aid **[refugee]**s). Internationally, Canada has long been viewed as a model country when it comes to immigration and yet our system is also often heavily scrutinized from within. This scrutiny has grown in recent years post-pandemic. Note: immigration has always been a hot button topic where people have very strong and differing views. This is because immigration provides Canada with both opportunity and challenges. In response to the ever-changing times and our nation's needs, Canada's federal government has constantly, over the years, fine-tuned its policies re. the immigration system so that it may work better. As our government and policy makers plan for the future, great focus will be on Canada's demographics & immigration.  For a historical snapshot of immigration to this country see graphic below re. [Number of Immigrants arriving in Canada (1865-2015)].  [TASK \#1: GRAPHical Analysis]. MY LEARNING.... SEARCH\... How many immigrants did Canada welcome last year? \_\_\_\_\_\_485,000\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. APPLY. Using your stylus or draw tool extrapolate the graph by plotting the data (your finding) and then draw a trend line. [TASK \#2: TABLE Analysis]. MY LEARNING\... Top source countries of immigrants to Canada (2023) are Asian countries [PART B]: i\) DEFINITIONS -- Conduct an INTERNET SEARCH to define the following immigration-related terms: **\[Canada\]Policy of Multi-culturalism, pull factor, push factor, immigration rate, emigration rate, net migration rate.** Policy of Multi-culturalism= The Act emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian identity. Push factor= factors that prompt someone to leave a region or country. Pull factor= a motivating cause that attracts a person to migrate to another region or country Immigration rate= the number of people entering a country per 1000 population Emigration rate= the number of people leaving a county per 1000 population Net migration rate= the number of immigrants minus the number of emigrants, including citizens and noncitizens. ii\) **Complete the table below** identifying some examples of "pull factors" to Canada as well as some examples of external/foreign "push factors". +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **PULL factors** | **PUSH factors** | +===================================+===================================+ | Job opportunities. | economic hardship | | | | | Higher qualify of life. | political instability | | | | | Political and/ or religious | violence/war/conflict | | freedom. | | | | environmental challenges | | Education. | | | | lack of rights | | Better medical care. | | | | | | Security. | | | | | | Rights/Freedoms | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ [PART C]: To support your understanding of "How Canada's immigration system works" **VIEW** **VIDEO** (2:43 min.) and also (3:25 min.). Also **READ/REFERENCE** **CANADA essentially REQUIRES IMMIGRANTS TO APPLY TO 1 of 3 IMMIGRANT CATEGORIES** See & complete (via INTERNET SEARCH) the simplified outline below by filling-in-the-blanks. 1\. **ECONOMIC** Category Canadian Government Rationale = \_\_\_\_\_\_Skill\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ based. Applicant must pass a points test in which they must score a minimum of [\_67\_\_] **points to qualify**. **Fill-in-the-blanks on the chart below (Note: = 1 blank per row).** +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | **SELECTION FACTOR** | **Max** | **DETAILS** | | | | | | (characteristics | **Point** | | | deemed | | | | | **Value** | | | important by our | | | | Gov't) | | | +=======================+=======================+=======================+ | **Education** | 25 | Points awarded | | | | dependent on years of | | | | formal schooling | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Language Skills | **28** | Credit for | | | | proficiency in either | | | | English or French | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Work Experience | 15 | Points awarded for | | | | **\_\_\# of full-time | | | | years on a job** | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Age | **12** | Preference for | | | | immigrants between | | | | ages **18-35** | | | | **\*updated\*** | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Arranged Employment | 10 | Points credited for | | | | **If you have a job | | | | offer of at least 1 | | | | year from a Canadian | | | | employer** | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | **Adaptability** | 10 | Points for various | | | | considerations | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ NOTE: There are a few other work permit options & possibilities in this category. 2\. **FAMILY** Category Canadian Government Rationale = \_\_\_\_\_Family reunification\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ based. Applicant must have a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_family sponsor\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ who is a Canadian \_citizen\_ at least \_\_18+\_\_ years of age. This arrangement hinges on a promise & \_\_\_Contract\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ to \$upport that family member for a period of \_\_\_3-10\_\_\_\_ years. Eligible relations include: spouse/partner, dependent children, \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 3\. **REFUGEE** Category Canadian Government Rationale = \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Humanitarian\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ based. Applicant must file a \_\_\_\_\_Refugee CLAIM\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. **Refugees** are (by definition) **people who flee their home country out of fear of war or persecution**. Reasons why people may be persecuted include: Political views, nationality, religious beliefs, race, gender, membership in a social group, ethnicity Canada has been lauded as a world leader for aiding refugees seeking **asylum** \[**= a place of security & shelter\]**. Source-countries from which many refugees (to Canada) have come from include: Palestine, Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan, Iraq, Bosnia \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ [PART D]: CANADA's NEEDS & IMMIGRATION Some people believe that Canada does not need immigrants -- but this is flawed thinking. Consider\... Canada's population is very slow growing, with natural increase at 0.4% - continuing a pattern of fall over several decades. This reality stems from declining birth rates and the fact that Canadians are having fewer children. In fact, Canada's **fertility rate** \[ = average number of children born to women during their reproductive years\] has fallen below replacement level (=2.1) to a record low of 1.33 children per woman. Another major demographic challenge in Canada centers on our aging population and the high proportion of seniors/old dependents. Interestingly, some demographers think our death rate could soon exceed the birth rate. So, what does it all mean? Well\... given that our work force is shrinking while the number of old dependents is growing\... **Canada needs immigrants**. Canada needs immigrants to grow our workforce and lessen the load on current workers paying taxes. Understanding immigrants establish businesses, make contributions to productivity and innovation, and create additional markets for foreign trade is also important. Without immigrants, our economy would not grow as much nor provide the wealth we require to support all Canadians. All this increasing diversity will have an impact on politics, cultural identity, education, and business. Many people today think that everyone can learn to live together, and that we can respect our differences while working toward shared values of peace and prosperity. In Canada, it has been said that "our national identity has always been changing". This is because we have a rich diversity of indigenous cultures, we have two official languages, and we have many cultural practices. Each year, for example, we celebrate our history through events such as fall fairs, Pow Wows, Fest Italia, Oktoberfest, Chinese New Year, Eid and Caribbean Carnaval, etc. These cultural celebrations promote diversity and inclusion and can help build community. But just as Canadian society is responsible for accepting immigrants and ensuring they have a reasonable opportunity to succeed in Canada, immigrants too have a mutual obligation. New immigrants are responsible for being contributing members of society. Surveys of Canadian attitudes toward immigration speak volumes about the acceptance of immigrants into our society. And although there are a variety of viewpoints, increasing immigration/diversity has some Canadians worried about urban population growth and others concerned about losing their cultural values. On the flip side, the decline in citizenship rate among recent immigrants is also worth noting. Acquiring **citizenship** is an indication of immigrants' commitment to the receiving country and their willingness to adhere to the values & laws of their adopted society. The value to citizenship is in affirming belonging, increasing engagement, and in the ability to vote &/or get a passport. Unfortunately, reforms that made it more difficult for new immigrant applicants to reach a certain level of achievement on a new test about Canada, increased fees, and the Pandemic, all contributed to reducing the tendency for eligible immigrants to become citizens.   i\) Identify 3 **ways** **immigrants contribute to + benefit** **Canadian society**. -They contribute to the economy -Deliver and improve the health and social services -Establish business + create jobs -Boost the tax base -Cultural enrichment -Boost foreign trade + International relations ii\) Complete an **INTERNET SEARCH** to **identify any [3 issues] surrounding Canada's immigration system**. Remember an issue should be **[worded as a question]** & can either be supported or not. Eg. sample issue = "Is Canada's express entry of select immigrants fair/right?" Note: some may argue yes here, whereas others may argue no. [Note: It's not necessary (?) to include any thought/response for any of the issues you identify] but you may choose to if interested in furthering your learning here. **-Is the immigration system working effectively?** **- Is the immigration system to costly?** **-Is the system biased towards certain source countries?** **-Is it too strict?** **-Is the influx of immigrants increasing housing markets** iii\) MY INQUIRY\... **DONE / LEARNING COMPLETE ?\.... it\'s time to take the "IMMIGRATION CANADA (POP.) QUIZ\#2"** [\*\*\* IMPORTANT NOTE \*\*\*] To complete our learning this week there is an **IMMIGRATION CANADA (POP.) QUIZ\#2.** The Quiz will serve as the summative assessment for this learning activity. The QUIZ is to be done in class and will be made available upon class completion of the learning. The QUIZ can be accessed by referencing the toolbar at the top of the HUB page and selecting "Quizzes". Again, this **QUIZ is timed (45 min.+),** and is **single attempt \[=\_\_ /20 marks\]** consisting of a **combination of multiple choice and T or F questions.** Good luck!