Critical View of Skilled Migration and Skilled Immigrants, Post-Migration

Abstract

Despite the growing body of research confirming the struggles that many skilled immigrants face post-migration, little attention is given to their realities in immigration strategies for recruitment. Countries such as Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom continue to boost their efforts to attract highly skilled immigrants with no commitment to ensure their success. Many skilled immigrants are faced with increasing instances of poverty and discrimination and their efforts to settle and thrive are undermined. The focus on potential economic growth for host countries and faster rates of settlement over other immigrant groups, continue to be the driving force to increasingly attract skilled immigrants. At the same time, the many challenges of discrimination and economic disenfranchisement that especially racialized skilled immigrants face, lead to lower standards of living with certain descent into poverty for many. This article is informed by Critical Race Theory and engages a discussion on the discrimination and economic consequences of poverty that racialized skilled immigrants face in Canada. The article draws on existing literature on skilled immigrants, to provide an overview of the challenges that they encounter with unemployment and underemployment post-migration, which increases their risk of poverty. In an effort to preserve the well-being of skilled immigrants, the discussion outline ideas to developing a path to social justice that is guided by social work principles. The article concludes with key suggestions to address systemic issues that contribute to the challenges that skilled immigrants face in Canada and highlight areas for future research.