During the Great Depression, the phrase “American Dream” appeared in a popular book by historian James Truslow Adams. In the book titled The Epic of America, Adams defined the American Dream as “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone.”

Adams went on to explain that the American Dream is not only about money but also about the opportunities to overcome barriers and social class and to become the best version of ourselves.

While the definition of the American Dream varies from person to person, only 11% of the U.S. public thinks being wealthy is a criterion to achieve it.

In a study by the Pew Research Center, most people say a good family life (70%), freedom in how to live (77%), and retiring comfortably (60%) are essential components of their view of the American Dream.

And while the idea seems simple, the prospect of achieving these things in America is dwindling.

Only 36% of U.S. adults say they have achieved the American Dream, according to an August survey by the Pew Research Center. Interestingly, the people in this study who claim to have achieved the American Dream tend to be older, better educated, and wealthier.

Student loan debt, stagnant wages, and the ever-increasing cost of living are just a few of the factors preventing many in the U.S. from achieving any version of the American Dream.

So what about everyone else? More specifically, new immigrants who are looking for a new home to expand their careers, start a business, raise their families, and have a decent life?

That dream for immigrants seems to be dwindling in the U.S. but growing in Canada. Is the American Dream failing? The perceived value of US citizenship is being scrutinized, especially among immigrants from India who aspire for it but are disillusioned by the reality of life in the US.

What is the American Dream, and why is it failing?

The American Dream is a concept that has been deeply ingrained in the United States’ culture and identity. It is often associated with the idea of upward mobility, where individuals can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination, regardless of their background or circumstances. However, in recent years, the American Dream has been failing many people, particularly those from marginalized communities.

One of the main reasons for this failure is the increasing wealth gap and income inequality in the United States. Despite the country’s economic growth, many Americans are struggling to make ends meet, and the cost of living continues to rise. This has made it difficult for people to achieve the traditional markers of success, such as owning a home, starting a family, and retiring comfortably.

Another reason for the failure of the American Dream is the lack of access to quality education and job opportunities. Many Americans are struggling to find stable and well-paying jobs, and the cost of higher education has become prohibitively expensive. This has made it difficult for people to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to compete in the modern economy.

Furthermore, the American Dream has also been criticized for being overly individualistic and neglecting the role of systemic injustices and structural barriers. Many people face significant obstacles in achieving their goals, including racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. These barriers can make it difficult for individuals to achieve success, regardless of how hard they work.

In contrast, Canada has been seen as a more inclusive and equitable society, with a stronger social safety net and a more progressive approach to immigration and diversity. However, as we will see in the next section, the Canadian Dream is not without its own challenges and complexities.

What is the American Dream, and why is it failing?​

Harvard economist Raj Chetty led research that analyzed millions of U.S. tax records spanning decades.

Chetty and his researchers found that the American Dream was attainable post-Great Depression. For kids born in the 1940s, about 92% of them out-earned their parents by age 30.

For children born in the 1980s — today’s millennials — only half of them make as much money as their parents did.

This generation of Americans was essentially guaranteed to achieve the American Dream because the economy was growing rapidly, and wealth reached all classes of people.

But in the 1980s, economic inequality began to rise. Although the tech boom of the 1990s slowed the decline of the American Dream, this was only temporary. For children born in the 1980s, only half make as much money as their parents did.

Equality of opportunity has always been a key aspect of the American Dream — the idea that anyone can achieve success in the U.S.

But Joseph Stiglitz, the Nobel-winning economist at Columbia University, noted in a recent speech that the “data now show that this is a myth: America has become the advanced country not only with the highest level of inequality but one of those with the least equality of opportunity.”

So, for families, especially immigrant families, in search of the best pathway to economic mobility, where can you go?

Increasingly, the answer is Canada. However, immigrants in Canada face significant difficulty in finding jobs in their fields and having their credentials recognized, which challenges the promise of better opportunities.

The Canadian Dream — can immigrants achieve it?

Very simply, the Canadian Dream is more attainable. Growing inequality is a big reason the American Dream has derailed, and while far from perfect, Canada has created policies designed to reduce inequality.

For example, almost 20% of Americans are born below the poverty line compared to less than 10% of Canadians. But the inequality comparison does not end there. American women are twice as likely to die as a result of pregnancy or childbirth as Canadian women.

A recent OECD report found that Americans ranked last among rich countries in numeracy and technological proficiency. Americans also work, on average, 4.6% more hours than Canadian workers and a whopping 28% more hours than German workers.

Canadians benefit from essentially free health care while Americans spend on average over $12,500 a year on health care. Canadians also live longer than Americans — the average Canadian lifespan is 81.7 years, while the average American life expectancy is 77.8 years. Despite higher education levels, racialized second-generation immigrants in Canada often face significant barriers to achieving equality in employment opportunities compared to mainstream white Canadians.

Comparing the Canadian and American Dreams

The Canadian and American Dreams are two concepts that are often compared and contrasted. While both countries share many similarities, there are also some significant differences between the two.

One of the main differences between the Canadian and American Dreams is the role of government in providing a social safety net. In Canada, the government plays a much more active role in providing healthcare, education, and other social services, whereas in the United States, these services are often provided by the private sector.

Another difference is the approach to immigration and diversity. Canada has a more progressive approach to immigration, with a focus on diversity and inclusion, whereas the United States has a more restrictive approach, with a focus on border security and national identity.

Despite these differences, both countries share a commitment to the idea of upward mobility and the pursuit of happiness. However, the Canadian Dream is often seen as more inclusive and equitable, with a stronger focus on social justice and human rights.

In conclusion, the Canadian and American Dreams are two complex and multifaceted concepts that reflect the values and aspirations of their respective countries. While there are similarities and differences between the two, the Canadian Dream is often seen as a more inclusive and equitable concept, with a stronger focus on social justice and human rights.

Canada has set a goal to welcome 400,000 migrants annually through immigration…

If Canada sounds tempting, you’re not alone in thinking that.

Americans have been crossing into Canada for centuries, and today more than one million Americans live in Canada. This is because Canada is committed to creating policies that ease mass migration and assimilation.

Canada has set a goal to welcome 400,000 migrants annually to add to its 38 million population, and Canada’s Century Initiative is working to grow its population to 100 million, mostly with the help of immigration. However, personal stories of individuals who have immigrated to Toronto reveal a contrast between their hopeful aspirations and the harsh realities of high living costs and job market struggles, leading to feelings of disenchantment and even reverse migration back to their home countries.

Already, one-fifth of Canada’s population is immigrants, and if its current rate continues, by 2036, half the country’s population will be foreign-born or have at least one immigrant parent.

Overall, life is easier for immigrants in Canada. Canada’s immigration rules have long prioritized newcomers who are educated and highly skilled.

Canada is actively seeking and recruiting new talent as it continues to diversify its economy. When America’s H-1B visa program hit snags in recent years, Canada benefited.

Some even went so far as to call the executive order suspending the H-1B visa program the “Canadian job creation act.”

Overall, life is easier for immigrants in Canada. Canada’s immigration rules have long prioritized newcomers who are educated and highly skilled. And Canada has a global reputation for being the most welcoming country to migrants — there’s even data to back that claim up.

Feeling safe and welcome in a new country is important for immigrants who plan to achieve the Canadian Dream.

Path to Canada can help you get started in Canadian life

A warm welcome for immigrants and ease of immigration are just two of the reasons why Canada is the ideal place to strive for success. If you’re interested in achieving the Canadian Dream, Path to Canada can help.

As a professional employer organization (PEO), Path to Canada acts as the employer of record, legally hiring workers on behalf of U.S. employers, and taking care of the billing, HR, legal, and other paperwork.

Path to Canada helps individuals, especially those in the U.S. in H-1B, F-1 OPT, or other statuses with no sure future in the U.S., relocate to Canada and continue to work remotely for their U.S. employer.

We specifically support small and mid-size U.S. companies that don’t have an office in Canada.

If you’re looking for a new tech job in Canada and want to work for a Canadian company, Path to Canada can match you with Canadian employers that will sponsor you for a work visa, helping you secure employment opportunities in Canada. Reach out to learn more.