I personally know several immigrants from Iraq and was surprised at what was required of them to enter this country. They had to have enough funds to support themselves for several years and had to pay the federal govt over $200,000. He and his wife had Phd's and they had to wait 4 years to enter. After that it took 8 years for them and their children to become Canadian citizens. I don't think most people understand how hard it is to immigrate to Canada.  Most immigrants are not a drain on the economy but are an asset and a tax payer that contribute to Canada.  The rest of Canada's problems are a separate  issue and should be delt with as such. Sure Canada has problems but they are not caused by immigrants.  A good thing to keep in mind is that unless you are aboriginal we are all immigrants. Immigrants that have created and run this country. Fear and intolerance serve no one, neither does scapegoating. Immigrants do not get a "free ride" in this country.