The Impact of Underemployment on Immigrant Families Alba Féliz-Rodriguez Frank Mamoser The National Consultation on Career Development Ottawa January 23 – 25 , 2006 12/04/2019

Introduction Under the skilled workers program thousands of individuals are admitted to Canada because of their high level of labour market skills. These workers come to Canada with great hope of building a better life for themselves and their families. Unfortunately for some, their hope does not materialize. Many find themselves unemployed, or underemployed. Due to frustration some will leave their families in Canada and seek employment in countries that recognize their qualifications. 12/04/2019

OBJECTIVES Present and discuss the social implications of the skilled workers immigration policy. Explore the emotional and economic impact of underemployment/unemployment on immigrants families. Look at the process of cross-cultural adjustment and its repercussions to successfully integrating within the Canadian workforce. 12/04/2019

Topics of Discussion Canada’s Immigration Policy Skilled workers Immigration program The Process of Cross-Cultural Adjustment Transition Period Decision to Seek employment outside of Canada Canadian Benefits as a result of Skilled Worker Relocation Social Implications as a result of this decision Questionaire and Summary Suggestions/Solutions 12/04/2019

Canada’s Immigration Policy Approximately 200,000 immigrants will arrive in Canada this year 73% will settle in Toronto , Montreal , and Vancouver Three Objectives of Canada’s Immigration Policy The Three Main Immigration Categories Economic Category 12/04/2019

Skilled Workers Immigration Program Largest Share of Immigrants aged 25-44 are admitted under this Program(76%) Three quarters(76%) of the principal applicants were men Vast majority(87%) have a university degree 80% found employment in first two years Only 42% found a job in their intended occupation See Graph on employment and intended occupation 12/04/2019

Skilled Workers Program Selection Criteria : - Education -Language Abilities -Employment Skills -Age -Arranged Employment before coming to Canada -Adaptability 12/04/2019

Skilled Workers Program Example of Qualifying Criteria 12/04/2019

Process of Cross Cultural Adjustment You might assume adjustment to a new culture might follow a linear path where as it is actually a U-shaped curvilinear path See Graph 12/04/2019

Cross Cultural Adjustment Stages of the Adaptation Process: -Early Phase: high level of adjustment -Middle Phase: relatively poor adjustment -Later Phase: higher and stable level of functioning(employment/social support network) (source: Social Psychology in Cross-Cultural Perspective) 12/04/2019

Cross-Cultural Adjustment Factors that can help or hinder Adjustment: Motivation for entering new culture Difference of new culture from one’s own Rural/urban origin Social support and assistance from host culture Having one’s family along can often exacerbate cultural adjustment Attitude/disposition Expectations Previous experience abroad 12/04/2019

Transition Period: Settlement Issues Climate Language Diet Housing Applying for documents Schools for self and children Social network Stress associated with uncertainty and change Sense of loss Feeling of incompetence Gender role reversal 12/04/2019

Transition Period / Penalty: Employment Issues Lack of Canadian Work Experience Foreign Credentials unrecognized Limited amount of time to enter labour force Discrimination/racism Ageism Knowledge of Canadian labour market Cultural Competencies Immigration Status Language barriers Shortage of jobs in certain fields Criminal record/security clearance Inability to market self Lack of networks 12/04/2019

Decision to seek Employment Outside Canada Unemployment Underemployment Inadequate life style Opportunity to rebuild homeland Looking for more fulfilling jobs Systemic racism Accepting Countries 12/04/2019

Canadian Benefits as a result of Skilled Workers Relocation Monies entering Canadian Economy from Abroad Reduction in Social welfare expenditure Additional Expertise/experience acquired by Skilled Workers Reduction of Canadian Unemployment rate 12/04/2019

Social Implications as a result of these Decisions Personal Problems Marital Problems Parenting Issues Social Welfare issues Poor Image of Canada and it’s Immigration policy I.e. NotCanada.com 12/04/2019

Questionaire Questionnaire 1. How well were you prepared to enter the Canadian labour force? 2. What information were you given by the Canadian consulate prior to coming to Canada with regards to employment? 3. Do you feel the information was accurate? 4. What would you say to other newcomers about immigrating to Canada? 5. What were the circumstances that led you to leave Canada and seek employment overseas? 12/04/2019

Questionaire 6.What are some of the difficulties you face while working overseas? 7. What has been the impact on your family? 8. How could the Canadian Immigration Services have helped you to avoid this situation? 9. Do you have any other comments? 12/04/2019

Summary of Questionaire 12/04/2019

Solutions/Suggestions Promote settlement in economic Zones of Canada other than Ontario , Quebec , and B.C. Support the introduction of immigrants workers to the environment and culture of Canadian workplaces through mentoring and others programs Assist immigrants 12/04/2019

Suggestions Assist immigrants in locating and accessing relevant information about 12/04/2019