Canada has long been known as a welcoming and diverse country, attracting immigrants from all over the world. However, in recent years, there has been speculation about a potential increase in immigration from the United States due to the political climate and policies under former President Donald Trump. But has Canada truly experienced a “Trump bump” in immigration from our southern neighbor?
According to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), there has been a slight increase in the number of Americans immigrating to Canada in the past few years. In 2016, the year Trump was elected, there were 9,020 Americans who became permanent residents in Canada. This number rose to 9,415 in 2017 and 9,580 in 2018. While this may seem like a significant increase, it only accounts for a 6% rise over the three-year period.
Furthermore, the increase in American immigration to Canada is not a new trend. In fact, the number of Americans immigrating to Canada has been steadily rising since 2011, well before Trump’s presidency. This suggests that the increase in American immigration is not solely due to political factors, but rather a combination of various economic and personal reasons.
In terms of the types of immigrants coming from the United States, the majority are skilled workers and their families, followed by international students and individuals seeking refugee status. This aligns with the overall trend of immigration to Canada, where the majority of immigrants are selected based on their skills and qualifications.
It is also worth noting that while there has been a slight increase in American immigration to Canada, it is still a small percentage compared to the total number of immigrants coming to Canada. In 2018, for example, Americans only made up 1.5% of the total number of immigrants to Canada.
Additionally, the increase in American immigration to Canada is not unique to our country. Other countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, have also seen a rise in American immigrants in recent years. This further suggests that the trend is not solely due to political factors in the United States.
In conclusion, while there has been a slight increase in American immigration to Canada in recent years, it is not solely due to the political climate and policies under former President Trump. The trend of American immigration to Canada has been steadily rising since 2011 and is likely influenced by a combination of economic and personal factors. Canada remains a popular destination for immigrants from all over the world, and the increase in American immigration is just a small part of the overall picture.
