Excerpt from “Canada’s Immigration Policy: No Country for Old Men” The Economist (2015): 1-5.
Express Entry is a second attempt. It ranks would be economic migrants on a 1,200 point scale, with half the points awarded to those with a job offer or a nomination under one of Canada’s provincial immigration plans, which are aligned with job vacancies (see chart). Those with the highest scores with be invited to apply for permanent residency under one of the three economic entry programs. The rest remain in a pool from which the government and even employers can pick. While skilled workers must still pass the old 100 point system, this is a legal formality. The new system will help attract the engineers, information-technology specialists and health-care workers that’s Canada needs says Mr. Alexander (p.3).
This article discusses Canada’s past point system that was implemented for Immigration. The point system sought to eliminate race and discrimination in the immigration process. Instead, the point system sought to encourage the immigration of intelligent and native speaking individuals. With this new point process that was implemented, the number of Asian immigrants took a large lead over the amount of white immigrants.
Although this point system had seemingly solved the issue of racial discrimination in canada’s immigration process, it continued to change. With the conservatives gaining power in 2006, the laws and point system changed dramatically as we see with this above example.
The new plan made dramatic changes to the point system. The government left the point system but it gave extreme preference to individuals with jobs coming into Canada. This seeks to boost the Canadian economy as a whole while striving to still allow for immigrants. This new immigration plan seeks to avoid discrimination but it seems to almost guarantee discrimination in some sense. Although some highly skilled immigrants will get the jobs as “engineers” and “information-technology specialists” it will also prevent certain highly educated individuals from getting the jobs they deserve because employers may not wish to hire immigrants. This discrimination can force immigrants to work below their ability and force people into work.
The reading touches on the idea of individuals being forced into jobs where they are mistreated or under paid just so that they can become a citizen. I find trouble within this excerpt and the greater piece in the sense that now many families will be separated. Furthermore how will refugees be able to come to Canada if they are yet to find a job? Often times immigrants come to a new country with the intention of starting over, finding a job, and living a life of happiness together with their families.
Although this new implemented system seems to have its benefits as mentioned in the article and the above excerpt, I find the possibilities for discrimination to greatly outweigh the benefits to immigrants wishing for a different, better life.
History of Immigration 
Hey Andrew, great job buddy! I really like the excerpt you chose, I think there is a lot to analyze regarding both the past and current point based system. Do you think that Canada’s economy can handle a mass flow of immigrants without jobs? Do you think that Canada would be better off if they went back to their previous point system? I really like how relatable this excerpt is to the United States possible point system in the future. Great blog buddy!
LikeLike
Interesting, I had not known this about the Canadian immigration system. When you say “Although this point system had seemingly solved the issue of racial discrimination in canada’s immigration process, it continued to change. ” what exactly do you mean by “it continued to change” ?
LikeLike
I can see both the pros and cons of Canada’s immigration policy. Canada is pushing to resolve any racial discrimination, while also pushing for an overall economic boost. While their policy is most likely accomplishing their goals, I feel your argument still stands. There are always going to be people trying to take advantage of the system. Immigrants are often in a vulnerable state, and willing to accept most work opportunities. This system can lead those into jobs that both underpay and mistreat immigrants.
LikeLike
It seems almost impossible to implement a perfect immigration system due to all of the complexities. I really enjoyed your progression through your post in regards to immigration in Canada and how discrimination will definitely play a hand in the new system. In the modern era, as we become more globalized there seems to be a shift away from smaller communities towards large networks… the effects on families most certainly exist due to the changes of global social structure.
LikeLike