In 2023, legal migration to OECD countries reached a record high of 6.5 million, a 10% increase from the previous record of 6 million in 2022. This surge was driven by various factors, including economic stabilization following the pandemic and inflationary pressures, making migration an attractive option for many [422d59d8]. Among the top recipients, the United States accepted 1.2 million legal migrants, while the United Kingdom became the second-largest recipient with a net immigration of 750,000 [422d59d8]. Canada, France, and Japan also reported unprecedented immigration levels, contributing to the overall trend [422d59d8].
However, traditional migrant settler nations, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, are now tightening their immigration policies in response to growing voter backlash against irregular asylum seekers. Canada plans to reduce its permanent migration intake by 200,000 annually and aims for negative population growth in 2025-2026, despite its population growing by 3.1% in 2023 [be2a9ba2]. The United States has seen a drop in border encounters, from 250,000 in December 2023 to just 54,000 in September 2024, as the Biden Administration allowed 5.7 million migrants to pursue their immigration cases [be2a9ba2]. In contrast, former President Trump has proposed mass deportations targeting 10-20 million undocumented migrants [be2a9ba2].
New Zealand's net migration peaked at 136,381 in 2023 but fell to 44,900 by September 2024, indicating a significant shift in migration patterns [be2a9ba2]. Meanwhile, Australia's net migration boomed to over 500,000 in 2022-23, even as the country faces demographic challenges, with a fertility rate of just 1.5 births per woman [be2a9ba2].
As Canada prepares to welcome approximately 128,000 millionaires in 2024, its appeal as a destination for wealthy migrants continues to rise. Factors such as economic stability, high quality of life, and favorable investment opportunities make Canada an increasingly attractive option for those seeking a better lifestyle and financial security [585e383a]. The benefits of millionaire migration are significant, contributing to foreign exchange revenue, job creation, and growth in the real estate market. Wealthy migrants are often motivated by safety, financial concerns, and the pursuit of quality education for their children [585e383a].
As Canada solidifies its position as a global leader in immigration and education, it reflects a broader trend of migration towards countries that offer stability and opportunity, even as voter sentiments shift in response to these changes [0be4b459].