Imagination and Reality: A Qualitative Study of Factors for Reverse Immigration Among Muslim Immigrants in Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Reverse migration in Canada is a relatively new emerging phenomenon where the immigrants have intentionally decided to move out of Alberta, Canada for a better quality of life. Thus, there is a demand to investigate the factors that lead to reverse immigration. In this attempt, Muslim immigrants were chosen as the targeted sample. The study includes the literature review and theory of transnationalism to identify the crucial factors of reverse migration. The aim was to analyze the deep stories of these immigrants to determine factors in reverse migration. Consequently, the findings have revealed that reverse migration is not necessarily toward the home country only rather many Muslim immigrants have chosen other countries as their next home. Several factors: Economic, political, social, environmental factors, quality of life, and pull factors such as cultural familiarity, sense of identity, and family connections are the driving factors in promoting immigrants' decision to depart from Canada. The study is unique in terms of ethnography, as these factors were revealed after the fieldwork of four months in Alberta from June 2024 to October 2024. The researcher has actively participated in the daily lives of participants. Qualitative methodology was used to collect the data while thematic analysis was used to interpret and analyze the data. Further, participant observation, rapport building, in-depth interviews, Informal discussions, conversational interviews, and case studies were used to collect data. The current study includes sample of 20 people including both males and females living in Calgary and Edmonton in Alberta, Canada. The study of Muslim immigrants in Canada showed a complex world of expectations, problems, and ways of accommodating them. Many come with high hopes for a better life, seeing Canada as a safe, fair, and comfortable country. But, the reality they experienced was often very much the opposite of what they had imagined. However, some immigrants appreciate the safety, healthcare system, and educational opportunities of Alberta, some challenges have completely shattered their expectations and their ability to cope with those challenges.