The Best of 2025: Maclean’s Top 10 Immigration Stories
Moving to Canada was harder than ever this year—unless you were a scholar fleeing Trump
If 2024 was the year Canada slammed its doors shut to immigrants, 2025 was when the fallout began. At Maclean’s, we heard from students stuck in visa limbo and employers who can’t find enough workers to run their businesses. At the same time, Trump’s crackdown on higher education opened up possibilities for Canada to make the most of America’s brain drain. Here, our top immigration stories of 2025.
NO. 10
Should Canada Give Asylum to Trans Americans?
One Canadian lawyer believes the U.S. is as dangerous for trans people as Africa and the Middle East
NO. 9
Keep Immigration Coming
To compete on the world stage, Canada needs more Canadians—and more small cities to house them
NO. 8
Why Canada’s New Border Policy Could Screw Over Refugees
One Canadian lawyer believes that Carney’s border bill imports the worst of the U.S.’s migrant policies
NO. 7
Canada Runs on Serf Labour
My grandfather arrived with the right to stay. Today’s foreign workers are handcuffed to bad jobs they can’t leave.
NO. 6
I Moved to Canada and Launched a Company. Then the Tariffs Hit.
When I started selling dog toys from my basement, I had to remortgage my house and take out a loan to make it work.
NO. 5
It’s Time for Canada’s Brain Gain
Under Donald Trump, the United States is sabotaging its reputation as a beacon for researchers, scientists and academics. Canada should seize the moment.
NO. 4
Student Visa Limbo Is Wrecking My Life
Ottawa is trapping international students in endless delays. That’s why I’m suing the government.
NO. 3
You Can’t Run a Tourist Town Without Foreign Workers
I’ve been running a hotel in Tofino, B.C., since 1996. There aren’t enough Canadians to staff it.
NO. 2
I Was a Strict Parent. Then I Moved to Canada.
In Dubai, I enforced rigid rules on my children. In Canada, I realized that would just push them away.
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