On growing recognition

An AP/Ipsos poll suggests that despite apparent crackdowns against immigrants (accompanied by inevitable anti-immigrant rhetoric) in the U.S., Canada and elsewhere, public acknowledgement of the contributions of immigrants has in fact improved over the past two years. And Canada leads the way in its enthusiasm for immigration:

Public acceptance of immigrants has grown in Canada, the United States and several European countries over the last few years despite outbreaks in some countries of immigrant riots and heated debates aimed at limiting migration.

AP-Ipsos polling found more tolerance for immigrants now than two years ago in the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

In the U.S. and Australia, just over half said immigrants are good for their country. In Canada - where immigrants are actively recruited - three-fourths said immigrants are a good influence.

Of course, the nearly-even splits in most of the countries aside from Canada suggest that there's still a lot of nationalist sentiment in play. But the wider trend is at least headed in the direction of recognizing the important roles immigrants play in any country's well-being...and Canada should be proud to be leading the way.