In recent times, there has been a surge in resentment toward refugees, immigrants, and international students in Canada. Many people have started to blame these groups for various societal issues, from economic struggles to strains on public resources, aka the housing crisis. However, it’s crucial to understand that the true responsibility for their presence in the country lies not with them, but with the policies and decisions made by the government and its officials. Let’s not forget the businesses that profited from bringing in large numbers of students and individuals on work visas, even when qualified Canadians were already available for those roles.
The Role of Government Policies
It’s important to remember that the government and its immigration laws are the ones who determine who enters the country and who doesn’t. Bear in mind that we are the very people who elected these politicians. Immigrants, refugees, and students do not have the power to change immigration laws or decide how many people should be allowed to enter. The government creates the framework for who qualifies for permanent residency (PR) or a student visa, and how many individuals are granted that status.
When the government suddenly changes work visa laws for students, many are left with no choice but to leave the country. It’s important to remember that not all of these students are wealthy. Many have taken out loans at high interest rates to pay their tuition fees to Canadian colleges (In advance), and if they’re forced to return home, those fees are non-refundable.
When we point fingers at immigrants, refugees, or students, we overlook the bigger issue: the system that allows them to enter in the first place. The politicians and lawmakers who create and enforce these policies are the ones truly responsible. They establish the rules, set eligibility requirements, and determine how the country’s immigration programs operate. Additionally, businesses and individuals with vested interests who push for more students and immigrants must also share responsibility for the consequences of these changes and be held accountable.
Legal Pathways to Residency and Student Status
Let’s take a moment to examine how these individuals enter the country. Every immigrant applying for PR has met specific, legal qualifications outlined by the immigration process. They are not here because of arbitrary decisions, but because they have followed the prescribed rules and regulations. The same can be said for international students. They don’t come on a whim – they’ve paid significant amounts in tuition fees and met all the necessary requirements to obtain a student visa.
In fact, when we talk about international students, there’s another important fact to keep in mind: students are required to pay their fees in full and up front, often including a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), as part of the visa process. This is a prerequisite for obtaining a student visa. Blaming the student for their admission into the country is a misguided approach. They have done everything necessary to legally obtain their status. If you believe that students with limited English communication skills are harming Canadian culture, then the blame should fall on the colleges and the government for admitting students with low IELTS scores in the first place. Why isn’t the benchmark for student visa eligibility as high as it is in countries like the US, Australia, or New Zealand, where higher TOEFL and IELTS scores are required for admission?
If you feel that Canada is accepting students who do not meet certain academic standards, then it is the colleges and universities you should be questioning, not the students themselves. Educational institutions are responsible for admitting students based on specific criteria, including language proficiency, academic qualifications, and other factors. If students with low IELTS scores are being admitted to courses that they aren’t adequately prepared for, it’s the institutions, not the students, that should be held accountable.
Questioning the System, Not the Individuals
In the case of immigrants, if there is concern over the number of people being granted work visas, then the focus should be on government officials who are setting the quotas and making decisions on who qualifies, rather than on the people who legally meet those criteria. After all, immigrants and students are simply following the paths laid out for them by the government, not creating these systems themselves.
Play your part
If you feel the need to assert that “I was born here, and only people like me should live here,” direct that energy towards addressing illegal immigration. Never hire anyone under the table, and if you notice such practices at your workplace, report it to the authorities immediately. Channel your anger in the right direction—ask your local MPP what steps they are taking to control illegal immigration and prevent individuals who are here unlawfully from taking jobs meant for Canadian citizens and legal immigrants.
Dividing the People, Supporting the Status Quo
It’s essential to recognize that the real danger lies in the way we are often divided. Politicians and those in power benefit when the general public fights amongst themselves. By pitting different groups against one another, they divert attention from the true issues and prevent any meaningful accountability from being placed on those who actually create and control these systems.
First, policymakers create the policies that allow uncontrolled immigration, and then, when it leads to problems, they stand by, unsure of how to address it. I can’t believe they were so short-sighted that they never considered the strain uncontrolled immigration would place on existing Canadian infrastructure, especially housing.
When citizens direct their frustrations toward refugees, immigrants, or international students, they lose sight of the root cause of these issues. By focusing on fighting amongst ourselves, we leave the people who set these policies free to continue unchecked.
Let’s stop fighting amongst ourselves because that is what people in power want us to do. Let’s hold the right people accountable. The true change starts with demanding better policies from those who are in power.
The Takeaway
Instead of blaming immigrants, refugees, and students for perceived societal problems, it’s time to direct our attention to those who are truly responsible: the government officials and policymakers. The individuals who are legally following the rules and paying the necessary fees have no control over the decisions made by the system. If we want to make real change, we need to focus on the laws and policies that allow certain groups to enter the country, and ensure that those systems are fair, transparent, and in the best interest of everyone.
Message for students, refugess and other new immigrants
The least you can do is respect and adapt to the local culture instead of causing disruption. Be open to embracing new customs, both socially and culturally, and be willing to let go of certain practices that may have worked in your home country. No one is asking you to forget your heritage, but it’s important to understand that there may be aspects of your culture that aren’t acceptable here. If you feel that the culture here isn’t welcoming, then perhaps it’s time to reconsider your stay.
Too many students come to Canada focusing on things that lead to debt—flashy cars, expensive phones, and indulging in cannabis (because, after all, it’s legal here). Instead, focus on the positives. Work hard, be polite, and stop wasting time. There are so many things that make Canada better than your own country so focus on learning those aspects.
Above all, concentrate on building a meaningful life here and respect the law.
Message to the WISEONE’S who feel that sending us all back is the best solution
Like it or not, immigrants play a vital role in driving the Canadian economy. If the government were to suddenly expel all the students and immigrants who have come to Canada over the past decade, the consequences would be severe. Colleges would be forced to close or drastically scale back without the influx of international students. Key jobs in sectors like retail, hospitality, and services would remain unfilled, and there would be no one to support the new infrastructure being developed for the future. Don’t forget that many of these immigrants, in search of affordable housing, are also contributing by settling in smaller or less populated cities across Canada. Now, imagine the impact if these immigrants suddenly disappeared—leaving behind the infrastructure they helped build, only for it to be left unused or underutilized because there aren’t enough people to manage or maintain it.
While I agree that allowing uncontrolled intake in the past was a mistake, reversing it now is neither practical nor fair. Many students and immigrants have invested everything to build a future here, and forcing them to go back isn’t just impractical—it’s inhumane.
Some may argue that immigrants and students only occupy low-wage jobs, but the reality is, these very jobs are what keep the nation’s economy functioning. They are essential to ensuring that our infrastructure and services run smoothly, paving the way for future generations. So, let’s tone down the racism, lighten up, and use our social media platforms in a more positive, constructive way.
If the existing population alone could have supported the growth needs of this great nation, immigration would have slowed down long ago. The hard truth is, we need more immigrants because we have a vast country and a relatively small population. Without newcomers, we wouldn’t be able to ensure that essential goods and services reach every corner of this nation.
Blaming immigrants won’t solve anything; it will only get you a moment of social media attention.
PS: You might continue to post on social media calling immigrants “smelly,” but the truth is, people back home hold the same prejudices about Europeans, Americans, and Canadians. That’s the essence of racism—believing that anyone who isn’t like you is “smelly” or “bad.”
**Let’s unite, confront the challenges ahead, vote responsibly, and work together to make Canada an affordable and inclusive place for everyone.
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