Abstract

Immigrants have always played an important role in the development of Canada. This study analyzes the adjustment problems of Arab immigrants who live in Montreal and have immigrated to Canada in the 1980's and the 1990's. It is an attempt to explore the nature of their economic adaptation. Economic adaptation is raised here as one aspect--albeit an important one--of their integration in the larger society. I have used both quantitative and qualitative methods in the analysis of the data that I have obtained from the interviews of the sample of Arab immigrants. The findings indicate that Canadian education and experience, length of residence, official languages proficiency (especially French), marital status and community support are major influences in their integration in the Montreal labour market. This thesis also examines the relationships among expectations, compromises and outcomes.