There has been a sharp decline in the economic performance of recent immigrants to Canada since 1990

Herbert G. Grubel:

This paper, written by Institute Senior Fellow and SFU Professor Emeritus Herbert Grubel, examines the causes of the decline in the economic performance of recent immigrants and blames the immigrant selection process used by the government of Canada.

“Simply put, the current system used in the selection of immigrants over approximately the last 25 years is severely flawed,” said Grubel.

The paper cites official statistics showing that recent immigrants, on average, have lower incomes than comparable Canadians even after 10 years’ residence in Canada. As a result of these lower incomes, the progressive income tax structure of the Canadian welfare state and the universal availability of government benefits have resulted in substantial transfers from other Canadians to these immigrants. Grubel estimates the transfer to immigrants who arrived between 1990 and 2002 is approximately $18.3 billion every year, based on 2002 data.

Among the reasons for the low incomes of recent immigrants, Grubel cites the fact that there are large numbers who bypass the government screens that are designed to allow entry only to applicants likely to be economically successful. Those bypassing the screens include large numbers of family members and refugees, many of whom have low earnings capacity.

Sounds a lot like the illegal Mexican immigrants who are currently invading the United States.

Immigration and the Welfare State in Canada: Growing Conflicts, Constructive Solutions