Myths and Realities About Non-Status Canadians
Myth #1
Non-status immigrants jump the queue.
Reality
Our current immigration point system is designed to ensure that those who qualify
for immigration to Canada are either business people with large amounts of
capital, professionals with a university education who speak English or French
fluently, or family class immigrants. Most of the non-status immigrants are
skilled or semi-skilled workers who do not qualify under our point system.
There is no queue for them. The Toronto Star reported that under the new
point system most people currently living in Canada would not qualify.
Myth #2
Our immigration system is very generous and we cannot afford to let any more
people in.
Reality
Canada sets immigration targets because demographically we need immigrants
to help sustain our country's economy. These targets are set at 1% of the
total population, and we consistently fail to meet them.
Myth #3
Canada 's refugee policy takes care of everyone.
Reality
It is true that our immigration system allows for persons to make refugee claims.
The definition of a Convention refugee is restricted to persons who face
serious reprisals against their human rights because of their race, religion,
nationality, and membership in a social group or political opinion. However,
many of the people who come in as non-status are victims of growing global
inequalities, extreme poverty and generalized violence in their country of
origin, but do not qualify as Convention refugees. In addition, the system
makes mistakes and many legitimate refugees do not get in. The refugee appeals
process provided in the new immigration law, the Immigration and Refugee
Protection Act (IRPA) has not been established, giving no recourse to refugees
whose claims have been denied.
(See Multidisciplinary Analysis of the IRB Decision-Making Process,
October 2000 François Crépeau, Patricia Foxen , France
Houle, Cécile Rousseau).
Myth #4
Canada only needs the "best and the brightest" of immigrants.
Reality
Canada 's definition of what constitutes "best and brightest" focuses
on post-secondary education, language and profession, excluding many highly
skilled people. This focus on the so-called "best and brightest" also
excludes skilled labourers and artisans. It is more and more apparent that
Canada is in shortage of skilled labour in an increasing number of sectors.
Finally, while our government talks about the need to restrict immigration
to the "best and brightest," it continues to bring in domestic and
agricultural workers on temporary work permits instead of granting them permanent
resident status. The “best and brightest” that are accepted as immigrants find
it virtually impossible to use their skills in the labour market and are relegated
to low-paying jobs.
Myth #5
Non-status immigrants take away jobs.
Reality
There is a shortage of skilled or semi-skilled workers and trades people in
many sectors of our economy. Industries such as manufacturing, construction,
garment, childcare, cleaning, food and services, and many others rely heavily
on non-status immigrants. Many non-status immigrants work in jobs that Canadians
won't do and are exploited by employers.
Myth #6
Non-status immigrants don't pay taxes.
Reality
Non-status immigrants contribute to the economy by working, owning their own
businesses, spending their money in Canada, and by paying taxes such as GST,
PST, property tax, gas tax, and other taxes that are incorporated into prices
of goods. Many also pay income tax as well, as long as they have a Social
Insurance Number (SIN).
Myth #7
Non-status immigrants are on welfare and use our social services.
Reality
Even though non-status immigrants contribute to the economic and social fabric
of this country, they do not have access to welfare or other social services
including health care services. In fact, evidence shows that immigrants in
general use health and social services less than their Canadian-born counterparts.
Myth #8
Non-status immigrants are criminals.
Reality
There is no evidence to suggest that non-status immigrants are more likely
to commit criminal offences than any other group of people. Most immigrants
living in Canada without status are people who came here looking for a life
free from poverty, political instability and violence for themselves and
their children. Living without status, in fact makes you more vulnerable
to crimes and also less likely to report crimes done to yourself or others.
Myth #9
The events of September 11, 2001 clearly show that Canada is a "haven
for terrorists," and allowing non-status immigrants to live in Canada
poses a serious threat to our national security.
Reality
Although some politicians and media have made such statements, there is no
evidence that non-status people are either a threat to national security
or that Canada is a "haven for terrorists." In fact most of the
alleged terrorists entered the United States legally.
Myth #10
To regularize the status of non-status immigrants and allow them to become
permanent residents would mean that potential terrorists and criminals would
become part of our society.
Reality
If Canada grants permanent resident status to non-status immigrants, each person
will have to go through a security check. This also means that the great
majority of non-status immigrants will finally be able to live as everyone
else rather than living underground. As a result, enforcement resources could
be better spent on focusing on the small number of individuals who pose a
serious risk to our security. |
