(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many Britons and Americans are skeptical about the benefits of immigration, according to a three-country poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 72 per cent of respondents in Britain, and 66 per cent in the United States, think immigration is having a negative effect in their respective countries.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many Britons and Americans are skeptical about the benefits of immigration, according to a three-country poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 72 per cent of respondents in Britain, and 66 per cent in the United States, think immigration is having a negative effect in their respective countries.
In Canada, 41 per cent of respondents have a negative assessment of immigration, while 37 per cent see it in a positive light.
Last year, the British government introduced changes to its immigration policies. All investors and graduates under the age of 40—from countries that do not belong to the European Union (EU)—must now earn the equivalent of $66,000 a year in their home countries in order to resettle in Britain. Skilled workers from non-EU countries can only be recruited if a vacancy cannot be filled.
On Aug. 1, British immigration minister Phil Woolas discussed the new guidelines, saying, "The system is key part of a radical shake up of our immigration system, ensuring only those that the economy needs can come here to work and study. It is a more effective system than an arbitrary cap, allowing us to raise and lower the bar in response to changes in Britain’s economy."
Polling Data
Canada – All things considered, do you think immigration is having a positive effect or a negative effect in Canada?
United States – All things considered, do you think immigration is having a positive effect or a negative effect in the U.S.?
Britain – All things considered, do you think immigration is having a positive effect or a negative effect in the UK?
|
CAN |
USA |
BRI |
|
|
Positive effect |
37% |
18% |
16% |
|
Negative effect |
41% |
66% |
72% |
|
Not sure |
23% |
16% |
12% |
Source: Angus Reid Strategies
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,003 Canadian adults, 1,002 American adults, and 997 British adults, conducted from Aug. 6 to Aug. 12, 2009. Margin of error for all three countries is 3.1 per cent.
Other findings:
63% in Britain, 41% in the U.S. and 37% in Canada would decrease legal immigration levels
59% in the U.S., 57% in Britain and 43% in Canada think illegal immigrants take away jobs from nationals
59% in Britain, 47% in the U.S. and 46% in Canada would deport illegal immigrants
