IMMIGRATION ISSUES

Re In Brampton, Federal Campaign Pledges To Boost Immigration Are Creating Friction Among Classes And Generations (Sept. 16): It is a sentiment that often echoes on Punjabi radio programs: Many callers want a level of immigration that is economically viable. But more importantly, it should be socially and culturally viable.

They bring up the need for integration in Canadian civic culture. The sentiment often expressed is, “We do not want the social ills of back home brought here.”

For these community members, increased immigration also sets up competition for jobs. They believe vested interests have come to infect immigration.

For example, there are universities and colleges dependent on expensive international student fees. These students, who see potential passage into permanent residency and are allowed only 20 hours of work, often accept rates below minimum wage for extra hours off the books.

Many settled immigrants believe the policy choice is not between increased immigration or no immigration, but an absorbable level of immigration.

Mohammad Qadeer Toronto