★ A commentary on Immigration Policy

A commentary on Immigration Policy

Canada Immigration Forum (discussion group)

Subject: A commentary on Immigration Policy

You said it right Sharon; you need more immigrants in the country to help with the Social Security and spending in Canada (especially for growing aging population) but I see trouble in years ahead!!

I?m reading; even on this forum - more people who are coming in are using up these resources (what should be used to Social Security for aged). I mean having govt. to spend money on them to train and educate and provide assistance to some (if they are not getting jobs); is definately going to cut other much needed programs (such as research at universities; new industries; education for new generation in general; international programs etc.)

In this case - I?m not sure if social security is going to be adequate to help all. I guess it is going to be a US example. In a few years either taxes will rise or SS is going to go privatized (like Australia and NZland) or benifits will be reduced (like the U.S. and the U.K.). Unfortunately Canada is not in similar situation like the U.S. to keep up with internal government spending using international borrowings (U.S. has advantage of a high international deposits and borrowings). It is like credit card system; only that the U.S. has from several companies and of an unlimited spending!! So it can borrow from one and pay-up other; and since it does not have to go out asking for it; U.S can dictate terms. Canada does not have that advantage. Whatever is to be spent internally must mostly be generated internally or through exports. The Canadian $ is already undervalued and helps exports; but with pressure from this growing spending on immigrants; there is ultemately only two possiblities - the govt. will have to keep inducing more currency (meaning more inflation and costs) and a further devalued CN$. Moreover the money which should have been spent on growth of Canadian Economy (such as money for infrastructure; industry development; job creation etc.) will be spent on just making sure that new immigrants are speaking proper English/French and doing the job they claimed on first place.

About the wives and other accompayning people - well it should be the responsibility of the main applicant to pay up for them. I mean I see someone on this forum who has 9X2 brothers and sisters and their spouse (no offense) and if all of them are coming and have to be trained and educated where is the economic sense in that? You get 1 person to help the economy and 9 to pay for. Even on 1:1 case (Husband:Wife) - if you get a Wife who is productive and Husband who will sit to or look at the society to train him - how was this experiment productive to the society? Even if you claim that they need to be trained for 2-3 years; I mean what kind of quality are you going to get? They´d just be putting burden on the regular jobs which residents Canadians can anyways fill up themselves. What you need are essential skill workers - but they are not equiped with language skills. If you want to help the economy; you should rather get these type (like carpenters; farmers; drivers; iron and metal workers) and train them with language and skill.

Look at the example of Germany, Australia and NZland - they all have similar situation as Canada - but have been consistent in their acceptance of immigrants. Hence; their programs are successful.

I´m not conservative in my views; I´m liberal - but with objectivity.

SO just by claiming that we are a liberal, open society does not suffice the sacrifice you call from everyone. There is nothing wrong with being liberal or open; but being stupid - yes!!.

You must realize the economic consequece you leave your future generation and even the new immigrants who come.

CIC must take steps to enforce a tighter immigration policy. It?s better to go through with a fewer but productive immigrants; than a many to fill up quota?s and be a burden on society.

So I really don´t agree with a blind stand which Sharon and some of you have taken - you might say oh who cares in my lifetime things are going to be good - who cares about after that. Well I do. With a strong economy and country and a successful immigration program you leave a strong legacy for your future generations.

[21-11-2004,19:38]
Anonymous

doing the math (in reply to: A commentary on Immigration Policy)

I think the entire situation is far more complex than you wish to suggest. At some point I must allow the people who are economists and experts to do the math and project the country´s needs. All I care about is that the best and the brightest have every opportunity to get here regardless of economic status and country of origin.

[21-11-2004,19:52]
sharon

(in reply to: A commentary on Immigration Policy)

Exactly and agree;

1) Economic principles are important and therefore;
2) Best and the brightest should enter (irrespective of origin) and they should be helped settle in.
3) So called refugees and other bums should feel harder to come in.
4) Family ties are important - but they should be responsible for part of settlement at least.
5) Immigrants should demonstrate successful aquisition of language and skill "BEFORE" immigrating.

[21-11-2004,20:12]
Anonymous

(in reply to: A commentary on Immigration Policy)

I agree with you 90%. I think there is settlement requirements for sponsorship 10 years! My beef is if the government does not collect from a sponsor family or the sponsor family all of a sudden feels hard done by. You make a deal... you pay. I can never understand people who will marry a prospective immigrant for $5,000. Do they not have any idea what the financial downside might be???

3. referring to refuge claimants as bums...sorry I have a problem with that. I am hoping CIC is doing a good job in that regard. I would like stronger deporation laws for those who do not have a valid claim.

5. language... yes, in a perfect world. I highly doubt that the Canadian government is looking to pick up the entire tab.(they don´t pay for anything else that way!) But how do we deal with the Canadian that goes to (pick a country) and falls in love with someone, and wants to bring them to live with them in Canada? Big problem... they might not speak English or French. Do we say no????? Skilled Worker Son wants Mom and Dad to live with them so he can look after them in their old age. Do we say no to Mom and Dad too? Do we say no to Skilled workers wife/husband and children because they do not get good points on their english test?

There must be a balance somewhere.

[21-11-2004,20:33]
Anonymous