Leaving ones’ home to “make a fresh start” in a foreign land is never easy.  A person must not only accept leaving a familiar physical location and material possessions, but also friends, family, culture, perhaps never to see them again.  All in the hopes that the life situation that one faces is significantly better than the one left behind.  This article briefly examines some of the factors involved in the decision-making processes of immigrants to Canada, as these choices are made.  Legitimate immigration processes are generally time consuming and complex experiences, sometimes lasting several years and costing many thousands of dollars.  However the fact that Canada has been, and continues to be, one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants is indicative that the reward is worth the risk.

Reasons for leaving

An important factor involved in the decision-making processes of immigrants is the circumstances by which each applicant leaves his (or her) country of origin.  Does he even feel he has a choice about leaving?  In 1972, Ugandan citizens of south asian descent were threatened with forcible removal by the dictator of the time, Idi Amin.  Some of these unfortunates, followers of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, were evacuated at the last minute and presented with a short list of places in the West where they were permitted to resettle.  Those that chose Canada seem genuinely glad they did as they flourished, seamlessly integrating themselves into Canadians’ rich cultural tapestry or “mosaic”.  Those “Agakhanis” now holding positions of power continue to advocate this warm spirit of inclusiveness nationally and beyond.

Economic considerations

Assuming one has decided to leave yet has time to consider his options very carefully.  What factors might influence whether he would apply to immigrate to the “developed” countries (i.e. US, UK, Australia, Canada, among others) or to countries in the developing world?  Discounting the relative safety and security of the “West”, an applicants’ education and work experience may not be recognized as valid, leaving the successful permanent resident toiling indefinitely in the lower classes of their adopted nation state.  Even successful businesspeople must agree to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into Canada’s meager (by modern standards) economy before they will be considered for permanent residency, effectively having to “buy” their passage.  Many choose other paths rather than risk their fortunes and/or associated status.

Other factors

Going beyond obvious material considerations involved in taking the proverbial “leap of faith” towards Canada are those factors that have determined the narratives of our own personal life histories.  The consideration of these factors may dominate the decision-making processes of would-be immigrants before official applications and petitions are submitted.  Some of these factors include climate, religious freedom, and access to education; every one of which Canada consistently scores high marks on.

Summary

Emigrating from one’s place of origin is hardly ever as simple an act as going to the store to buy milk.  However, once the decision to leave has been made, thoughts automatically turn to the best possible destination.  While not perfect, Canada can boast it has many of the characteristics immigrants look for when making perhaps the most important decision of their lifetimes, where to put down roots.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/statistics/facts2010-preliminary/01.asp

http://www.theismaili.org/