Migration & Social Citizenship Consortium (MiSoCC)

In the context of intensifying global competition for talent, Canada and Germany have emerged as prominent destination countries for skilled middle-class migrants. While the governments in both countries recognize the critical role of immigrants in addressing economic and demographic challenges Canada and Germany have also seen a rise in anti-immigrant sentiments. Anti-immigrant sentiments are related to economic downturns, changing social norms, and a decline in social citizenship. Often overlooked is the fact that these concerns are also shared by immigrants and would-be citizens, who may choose to exit the country over expressing their frustration through voting and voice.

In this project, we examine the pressing challenge of immigrant retention in Canada and Germany. We use a mixed-methods approach (survey data, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis) to investigate why foreign-born skilled professionals choose to settle down in their new country of residence or why, on the contrary, they contemplate leaving. We are interested in (former) migrants’ dreams and disappointments, and in identifying the factors that matter for developing trust, belonging, and loyalty.