This research explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to support and empower Newcomers during their settlement in Canada. It highlights the settlement sector as an underexplored area for AI applications that could directly benefit Newcomers.
Report Abstract:
"While AI has been frequently applied in the context of immigration, most of these applications focus on selection and screening, which primarily serve to empower states and authorities, raising concerns due to their understudied reliability and high impact on immigrants’ lives. In contrast, this paper emphasizes the potential of AI in Canada’s immigration settlement phase, a stage where access to information is crucial and service providers are overburdened. By highlighting the settlement sector as a prime candidate for reliable AI applications, we demonstrate its unique capacity to empower immigrants directly, yet it remains under-explored in AI research.
We outline a vision for human-centred and responsible AI solutions that facilitate the integration of newcomers. We call on AI researchers to build upon our work and engage in multidisciplinary research and active collaboration with service providers and government organizations to develop tailored AI tools that are empowering, inclusive and safe."
What do you need to know?
Most existing AI applications in immigration focus on selection and screening processes that primarily serve state interests.
The settlement sector faces operational bottlenecks due to increasing immigration targets and high demand for information-intensive services.
There is a significant gap in multidisciplinary AI research tailored to the needs of the settlement sector.
What did the researchers do?
The researchers:
Engaged with stakeholders in the settlement sector through 10 open-ended interviews and a Pathways to Prosperity conference workshop, engaging community organizers, service providers, IRCC employees, immigrant-serving communication consultants, and academics in the field
Reviewed existing AI research related to immigration
Mapped IRCC-funded settlement sector service category needs to potential AI applications and core tasks
Provided recommendations for responsible AI development for government, academics, and service proiders
What did the researchers find?
There is a lack of AI research focused on supporting settlement processes compared to other areas of immigration. According to the authors "Despite the sector’s strong interest and willingness to embrace AI to enhance performance and efficiency, we observed a significant gap in educational resources to support AI literacy within this sector. We noted instances of impressive and successful integration of AI in SPO operations; however, these applications were limited in scope and would benefit from a more systematic adoption framework. We also observed an organic and ongoing research collaboration between the settlement sector and social scientists, although collaborations with AI researchers are missing."
There are distinct roles and responsibilities that international organizations, domestic governments (at all levels) and service providers have.
Many tasks in the settlement sector align well with existing AI tools, particularly for information delivery, resource allocation, and referrals. Each IRCC-funded settlement sector service category has potential AI applications include language assessment and training, personalized information delivery, needs assessment, and employment matching.
Responsible AI development in this sector requires careful consideration of data privacy, fairness, and maintaining human oversight.
Guided by the service types funded by IRCC, the researchers mapped the needs of the settlement sector to AI applications and core tasks. Researchers determined that Resettlement Assistance Program, which focuses on the immediate post-arrival needs of resettled refugees and other eligible clients, and Community Connections, which helps clients learn about and integrate into their local communities, requires more in-person expert insight and personal connection, making them less ideal cases for automation. Their resulting mapping of 5 service areas can serve as a foundation for future AI research and development. See below:
How can you use this research?
If you work in the settlement sector, you can:
Explore integrating AI tools to improve efficiency in information-intensive tasks
Invest in data infrastructure and AI literacy programs for staff and newcomers
Collaborate with AI researchers to develop tailored, human-centered solutions
Ensure AI tools augment rather than replace human services
Advocate for multidisciplinary research and development of AI applications specific to settlement needs
Educate and inform your funders about your use of AI in your work
The authors also make specific calls to action for AI researchers and government decision-makers and funders.
This research explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to support and empower Newcomers during their settlement in Canada. It highlights the settlement sector as an underexplored area for AI applications that could directly benefit Newcomers.
