A family from the United States, seeking refuge from the political climate under former President Donald Trump, has been denied permanent residency in Canada. Pamela Smith, a social media influencer with over a million followers, moved to Calgary with her husband and three children six months ago, hoping for a more accepting environment. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) deemed them ineligible for permanent residency, prompting the family to consider relocating to Portugal instead.

Smith, 47, expressed her surprise upon receiving the rejection letter last month. The letter stated that the family was “no longer eligible to be in the pool” for permanent residency, primarily due to their ages, which did not earn them any points in the express entry system. “It’s hard to emigrate here — it’s not an easy thing,” Smith said. Despite her background as a nurse and entrepreneur, and her husband Reggie’s qualifications as a business accountant, their application was unsuccessful. “I don’t think they like people over 40,” she added.

While Smith respects Canada’s immigration system, she noted that last year, the Canadian government announced a 21 percent reduction in immigration to alleviate pressures on housing and social services. This decision has led to phased reductions in the number of permanent residents accepted into the country.

The Smith family had previously purchased a cattle ranch near Kalispell, Montana, but felt increasingly uncomfortable with the political and racial climate in the U.S. They moved to Calgary last spring, where they quickly fell in love with the city and its people, who they found to be more accepting. Smith described their experiences in Montana, stating, “Racism is so out-in-the-open in the U.S. — (Trump) is emboldening them.”

In Calgary, the family received a warm welcome from neighbors, including a gesture from a family of Indian descent who gifted them a snow shovel. “There’s just this warm welcome — in America you have to worry about what neighborhood you move into,” Smith said. She acknowledged that while Canada is not perfect, it offers a more positive environment compared to the U.S.

Smith also highlighted the benefits of living in Canada, such as access to healthcare and a lower threat of gun violence, which influenced her decision to homeschool her children. However, she expressed concerns about potential discrimination, claiming that their race may have affected their chances of securing rental housing in Calgary.

As their tourist visas are set to expire at the end of March, Smith plans to apply for an entrepreneur’s work permit to extend their stay in Canada. If that application is denied, the family will likely move to Portugal, which Smith believes has a more welcoming immigration system. Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful about staying in Canada, stating, “I still believe in Canada — I do know there are issues here but when compared with (the U.S.), it stands out.”

As the family prepares to celebrate their first Christmas in Canada, they are excited about the holiday traditions that remind them of home. Smith said, “We just put up our tree — I’m excited about it, we’re all excited.”

Recent data from the IRCC indicates a decline in the number of Americans applying for permanent residency in Canada since Trump’s second term began. However, some immigration lawyers report an increase in inquiries, particularly from individuals in the LGBTQ+ community seeking safety from the political climate in the U.S.

Smith’s experience reflects the complexities of immigration and the personal stories behind the statistics, as families navigate their futures amid changing policies and societal attitudes.