Why Do Immigrants in Canada Stick Together? U.S. Immigrants Scatter—Here’s the Hilarious Truth

By Jonny Johnson
CanAmerica News | July 15, 2025

Are you ready for the hottest immigration take this side of the 49th parallel? Buckle up, patriots and poutine-lovers, because we’re diving into the wild world of immigrant neighborhoods in Canada and the USA. Why do immigrants in Canada stick together like Tim Hortons cups in a snowdrift, while in America, they scatter faster than your tax dollars? Let’s break it down—Benny Johnson style, but with more maple and less meltdown.

Canada: The Family Reunion That Never Ends

First up: Canada. If you’ve ever wondered why Brampton, Markham, Surrey, or Richmond sound like the United Nations with better parking, here’s your answer: Canada’s immigration system is basically a family group chat with government funding.

• Family Reunification: Canada says, “Bring your mom, your dad, your third cousin twice removed, and maybe even your neighbor’s goldfish.” Over half of new arrivals come through family sponsorship. That means when one person moves in, the whole clan follows. It’s like a buy-one-get-one-free deal, but with more samosas.

• Multiculturalism: Canada loves a good cultural buffet. Want to keep your language, food, and Bollywood movie marathons? Trudeau’s got your back. The government literally hands out pamphlets saying, “Keep calm and celebrate Diwali.”

• Ethnic Enclaves: Cities like Brampton and Richmond aren’t just cities—they’re full-blown cultural ecosystems. You can walk from a South Asian grocery to a Chinese bakery to a Filipino karaoke bar without ever switching languages or currencies (okay, maybe just the one currency).

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USA: The Great Immigrant Dispersal

Now, let’s cross the border to America, where the motto is: “Come on in, but please blend in by next Tuesday.”

• Assimilation Nation: The U.S. immigration system is all about jobs, not family reunions. You get in for work, not because your uncle’s neighbor’s dog walker lives in Jersey City.

• The Melting Pot: America loves the “melting pot” idea. Translation: “We love your food, but could you maybe tone down the folk dancing?” Over time, immigrants spread out, blend in, and start naming their kids Madison and Brayden.

• Ethnic Hotspots: Don’t get it twisted—America still has legendary immigrant neighborhoods. Little Havana in Miami, Koreatown in LA, Chinatown in basically every city with a Panda Express. But the pressure to assimilate is real, and the family reunification train moves a lot slower.

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Why the Difference?

• Canada: Encourages togetherness, family, and cultural pride. It’s like a never-ending potluck dinner.

• USA: Encourages independence, quick blending, and a dash of “don’t ask, don’t tell your traditions.”

So, if you’re wondering why your aunt in Toronto lives with twelve relatives and your cousin in Texas lives alone with a Roomba, now you know.

Final Word from Jonny

Whether you’re in Punjabi Brampton or Cuban Hialeah, immigrants are building lives, businesses, and communities—just with different flavors north and south of the border.

If you want more spicy takes on immigration, culture, and why your city’s food scene is suddenly amazing, subscribe to the CanAmerica News newsletter. We serve up facts, laughs, and just a little paranoia—straight to your inbox.

Jonny Johnson
Reporting from a Tim Hortons in Brampton and a Taco Bell in Miami

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