A prominent American social media influencer, who relocated her family to Calgary seeking refuge from the political and racial climate during Donald Trump's presidency, has seen her hopes for a permanent life in Canada dashed by immigration officials.
Dream of a New Home in Calgary
Pamela Smith, 47, along with her husband Reggie and their three children, arrived in Calgary last spring. They were drawn by a vision of Canada as a more tolerant and welcoming society compared to their experiences in the United States. The Black family had previously owned a cattle ranch near Kalispell, Montana, but reported facing racist threats and a chilling social atmosphere they attributed to the Trump era.
"Racism is so out-in-the-open in the U.S. — (Trump) is emboldening them," Smith stated, referencing the former president's remarks about immigrants. She described the contrast upon arriving in Calgary, noting the immediate warmth from neighbours in the Seton community, who gifted them a snow shovel. "There's just this warm welcome — in America you have to worry about what neighbourhood you move into," she said.
Immigration Hurdle: The Age Factor
Despite being embraced by locals and chronicling their positive journey online to over a million followers, the family's formal application hit a wall. Six months after their arrival, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) informed them they were "no longer eligible to be in the pool" for the Express Entry system.
The primary reason cited was a lack of points due to the couple's age, both being in their mid-40s. "I don't think they like people over 40," Smith remarked. Her professional background as a former nurse and entrepreneur who ran a successful home care company in Florida, combined with her husband's credentials as a business accountant, were favourable but insufficient under the current points system.
"It’s hard to emigrate here — it’s not an easy thing," Smith acknowledged, though she expressed respect for Canada's system, stating it is "looking out for their people."
Broader Policy Shift and Future Plans
The rejection comes amid a broader tightening of Canadian immigration policy. Last year, Ottawa announced plans to reduce overall immigration by 21% to alleviate pressures on housing and social services, which includes phased reductions in permanent resident admissions.
With their Canadian dream deferred, the Smith family is now considering other options, with Portugal being a potential destination. Their experience underscores the complex reality of immigration, even for those fleeing discord, as Canada balances its humanitarian reputation with stringent economic and demographic criteria.
While Smith said her perception of a completely non-racist Canada was tempered by the reality of living in Calgary, she emphasized the difference was "like night and day" compared to the U.S., lamenting that the formal pathway to stay did not match the personal welcome they received.
