#28. I don't want to be your perfect immigrant
Because no human is perfect. So why should I?
Hello from freezing Calgary,
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In today’s newsletter: Selene Ricart doesn’t want to be your perfect immigrant.
Plus: Bryan McInnis knows all about the temptations of the expat bubble.
Also: Considering all that’s going on with Canadian immigration, it’s a good time to re-read our Who’s Eligible series again.
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You can find the online version of this newsletter here.
There’s no such thing as a perfect immigrant
It’s an unnecessary weight on your shoulders. You know the usual trope:
Don’t say too much. Stay in your box. Be grateful. And if you ever step out of line, if you ever start speaking up about stuff you think could be better, someone will curtly remind you to go back and fix your country.
And sadly, it happens to immigrant women more often than not. It happened to Selene Ricart on LinkedIn.
But after five years in Canada, here’s Selene’s biggest lesson: belonging does take time, but you can’t wait until you belong to use your voice to advocate for good. And I agree. Your voice matters. And if you’re going to make Canada your home, you need to shape what that home becomes.
Listen to my full conversation with Selene⤵
Resisting the temptation of the immigrant/expat bubble
Every immigrant has felt the tension of the pull towards your people as you settle into the new country. The comfort of shared references, familiar jokes, conversations that don’t require any literal or cultural translation.
Bryan McInnis was no different. He talks about sometimes just wanting to talk to another American about American things. But he and his wife left the United States specifically to give their kids a more robust picture of the world.
You can’t do that if you only hang out with people who share your references.
Listen to my full conversation with Bryan⤵
What Canadian immigration program are you eligible for?
The Canada 2026-2028 Immigrations Levels Plan is out. And there’s a ton of insights and explanations and forecasts and implications and tips out there.
So I think it’s a good time to do a couple of things:
To paraphrase
, “When you see people sharing any kind of Canadian immigration news, always…I repeat always…stay close to the source. Ask what the source itself actually says.”Check out our “Who’s Eligible” series for factual, simple, and straight-to-the point breakdowns of the various immigration pathways.
Check it out here⤵
What am I excited about?
The Newcomers merch campaign in partnership with CIWA. Have you got yours yet?
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