Debate over Immigration and Refugees

The migration of people to Canada either as immigrants or as refugees is a subject of great debate. Some people feel that the continued entry of new people strengthens Canada, while others feel it may lead to social problems and higher rates of unemployment.

How Many Immigrants Should Canada Accept?

In the past several years Canada has been accepting an average of approximately 228 000 immigrants annually. Should immigration be allowed to continue at this level? Examine the factors below and decide what your personal feeling is on the subject. Assignment Option one: Write a three paragraph essay which examines and explains your view on immigration. /20

In Favour of Immigration	Opposed to Immigration
Canada is a big land with a small population. We need more people to fully develop the nation and its economy.	Canada’s economy cannot create jobs fast enough to absorb so many new Canadians.
Immigrants provide new ideas and skills. The economy needs skilled workers.	Immigrants may take jobs away from resident Canadians.
Immigrants fill job vacancies that resident Canadians do not want to fill. More workers will be needed as aging baby boomers retire.	Some immigrants draw on social welfare programs and services.
Canada’s multicultural society is enriched by continued immigration. Talented and hard-working immigrants have helped Canada prosper.	The changing ethnic make-up of the country will increase racial tensions in Canada.

How Many Refugees Should Canada Accept?

The number of refugees coming to Canada varies with world events. Out of the approximate 228 000 people arriving in Canada annually, 27 000 per year are refugees. Should Canada continue to accept refugees at current levels? Examine the conflicting viewpoints below and decide what you personal feeling is on the subject. Assignment Option Two: Write a three paragraph essay which explains your views on accepting refugees into Canada. /20

In Favour of Accepting Refugees	Opposed to Accepting Refugees
Canada must honour its commitment to the United Nations to aid “the displaced and persecuted.” Canadians cannot turn their backs on those most desperately in need.	Not all refugee claims are legitimate.
Returning refugees to the conditions of their own country will endanger their lives.	Accepting refugees without proper identification poses a security risk for Canadians.
Canada is a big country with room for many more people.	Accepting refugees now will promote more arrivals in the future.
People in desperate situations cannot afford the two-year wait often required to process formal immigration applications.	Accepting refugees will keep “people smugglers” in business (people who arrange for people to enter countries such as Canada illegally, charging clients large amounts of money to sneak then into the country, often under life threatening conditions.