What is it about?
The article discusses the pre-arrival information experiences of Bangladeshi immigrants using formal information sources such as immigration agents and government agencies. The study found that immigration consultants/agents often provided selective and positive information about life in Canada, which did not match the reality faced by the immigrants after arrival. The study introduces the concept of "information crafting" and emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive information about life in Canada to potential newcomers to help them make informed decisions. The study challenges the assumption that formal information sources are always reliable and comprehensive and offers some policy suggestions for agencies responsible for offering timely and comprehensive information to newcomers.
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Why is it important?
The findings show that immigrants consulting immigration agencies for information about life in Canada may not be informed about the settlement challenges they may face after arriving in Canada. It is evident that some immigration agents pictured life in Canada as heavenly and shared selective information (positive, often exaggerated) about Canada. The study highlights the need for comprehensive and accurate information about the realities of settling in a new country to be provided to newcomers before arrival. The author urges the immigration ministry to work on providing comprehensive information (both the benefits of moving to Canada and the challenges newcomers may face) to newcomers to better prepare them for initial settlement challenges in a new country.
Perspectives
I believe the concept of "information crafting" will be important to assess the information-sharing practices of immigration agents across the globe. I hope the findings of this article will encourage immigration ministries in countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US to offer comprehensive information about life in a new country by immigration agencies and ministries to help potential immigrants prepare for their life in a new country.
Dr. Nafiz Zaman Shuva
Queens College, CUNY
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: “They act like we are going to heaven”: pre-arrival information experiences, information crafting and settlement of immigrants in Canada, Journal of Documentation, December 2023, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1108/jd-05-2023-0082.
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