Maple News reports that Canada has been named the most welcoming country in the world for migrants, according to Gallup’s latest global Migrant Acceptance Index. Based on survey data collected from 145 countries, the report highlights widespread acceptance among Canadians and a generally positive sentiment in the United States as well.
The study, conducted in 2019 by the U.S.-based analytics firm Gallup, interviewed approximately 1,000 individuals per country through phone and in-person sessions. Respondents were asked how positively they viewed migrants living in their country, residing in their neighborhood, and marrying into their families. Based on responses, each nation was scored on a 9-point scale, with higher scores indicating greater migrant acceptance.
Canada received the top global score of 8.46 out of 9.0, highlighting its strong support for multiculturalism and migration. The United States ranked sixth overall with a score of 7.95, showing a notable improvement from its ninth-place ranking in 2017. At that time, Canada ranked fourth.
The change in standings is particularly significant considering the divergent immigration policies adopted by both countries in recent years. While Canada has actively embraced immigration by expanding skilled immigration programs and refugee intake, the U.S. took steps to restrict immigration under previous administrations. Despite these policy differences, public opinion appears to be trending positively in both nations.
When broken down, Canadian respondents showed slightly higher acceptance on all questions. A striking 94% said migrants living in the country is a good thing, 95% welcomed migrants in their neighborhoods, and 91% supported migrants marrying into their families. In comparison, the U.S. results were also positive, with 87%, 90%, and 85% agreeing with those respective statements.
Interestingly, the study notes that attitudes toward migrants often align with political affiliations, particularly in the United States. People with more liberal views were generally more accepting of newcomers, echoing the trend observed in Gallup’s earlier 2017 analysis.
Immigration experts suggest that Canada’s supportive public opinion may be reinforced by clear communication from policymakers and a national narrative that celebrates diversity as a strength. Paired with economic policies focused on addressing labor shortages through immigration, Canada’s approach continues to garner international praise.
The strong public consensus in both countries highlights the important role of societal values in shaping migration outcomes. As the global conversation on immigration evolves, these results underscore the benefit of framing migration as a shared opportunity rather than a divisive issue.