Canada

Canada immigration explained: Answers to 9 common questions

The 2016 census data related to immigration was released on Wednesday. Here are answers to common questions from readers about the Canadian immigration and refugee systems, taken from our "Coming to Canada" video series.

We tackle questions involving border crossings, health care and crime as it relates to immigration

Dror Bar-Natan, right, is among newcomers to Canada taking the oath of citizenship at a ceremony in Toronto in 2015. Newly released census figures show nearly 22 per cent of Canadians report being or having been an immigrant or permanent resident. (Chris Young/Canadian Press)

Migration has always been linked to the development of Western societies, but stories of people seeking to leave one country for another have been especially relevant in the past few years.

These stories include dangerous crossings by sea from Africa and the Middle East into Europe, unexpected Canadian arrivals at unguarded points along the border with the U.S., and those relating to the policies President Donald Trump's administration is trying to enact to overhaul the U.S. immigration system.

On CBC News social media pages and in our own comments sections, we've seen recurring questions surrounding stories involving refugees and immigration.

The 2016 Canadian census figures released today focused on immigration, ethnocultural diversity, housing and Indigenous people. Here are answers to some common questions in this "Coming to Canada" video series.

Immigrants vs. refugees: How are people getting into Canada?

How is Canada's immigration system different from that of the U.S.?

What happens when an asylum seeker gets picked up at the border?

Are border crossers breaking the law and jumping the queue?

Does immigration lead to an increase in crime?

Do refugee claimants automatically get access to our hospitals and doctors?

Can Canada's health-care system cope with immigration?

How much do refugees and immigrants get in social assistance?

Is immigration good or bad for an economy?