Mass Immigration and Declining Happiness in English-Speaking Countries
There’s a stark contrast playing out in countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and the US. While immigration led by elites has contributed to rising stock prices, a recent study suggests that it’s also linked to a significant drop in overall happiness among citizens, particularly the youth.
Ryan Gardusky, a political consultant, pointed out that these countries have effectively opened their borders, leading to a large influx of foreigners. He noted that during this period, there were notable declines in the well-being of the people living there.
The “World Happiness” report from Oxford University relies on research by Gallup, where participants rated their lives on a scale from 0 to 10, without any prompts about immigration. Interestingly, the research shows that over the last 20 years, many countries have seen increases in happiness levels, with the English-speaking nations standing as an exception. For two consecutive years, none of the Anglophone countries made it into the top 10.
According to the report, the UK has dropped significantly, sliding from 15th to 29th place, while Canada fell from 20th to 29th as well. New Zealand and Australia also experienced declines, highlighting a troubling trend in these regions. The US too saw a notable drop from 16th to 23rd amid a surge in immigration policies under the previous administration.
The Oxford report further states that newer factors like social media may be contributing to this unhappiness. However, it’s worth mentioning that young people’s happiness has remained stable in Latin America and East Asia, and even increased in parts of Eastern Europe where immigration levels are relatively low.
In their section titled “The Happiness Agenda: The Next Decade,” the report doesn’t address themes like immigration or diversity, which feels somewhat surprising given the context. The research indicates that the decline in happiness among young individuals is accelerating. It highlights that in contrast to other regions where young people report improved satisfaction with life, those under 25 in countries like the US, UK, Australia, and Canada show significant declines in happiness.
This generational divide seems to be driven by the influx of immigrants, benefiting older populations who tend to gain from the availability of low-wage workers and increased stock market values. Meanwhile, younger people often find themselves competing for jobs, housing, and other resources.
Canada serves as a glaring example of this trend. While older Canadians report comparatively high levels of happiness, younger individuals have seen a steep decline, landing 58th in happiness rankings. The Canadian government has prioritized economic growth, increasing the number of immigrants, which complicates the situation for younger generations facing job instability and rising living costs.
A recent report from a Canadian advocacy group revealed that young Canadians, who once ranked as the happiest age group, are now noted as the least happy. With high unemployment rates and financial stress, it becomes clear that this is more than just a matter of feelings; it’s a reflection of real economic struggles.
Despite the influx of immigrants aimed at bolstering the economy, Canada’s performance lags behind that of the US, which maintains a different approach to immigration. The focus on productivity in the US underscores the challenges faced in Canada as they grapple with wage stagnation and economic disparities.
