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Acts and Regulation Regarding Immigration in Canada

Last Updated: November 11, 2021

What do Canada’s immigration laws reveal about the country?

Rules and regulations in Canada have governed immigrant entrance since 1869. The changes in social, political, and economic circumstances, as well as prevalent attitudes about race, attractiveness, and integration, have affected immigration policy over timeThe open-door policy of the late nineteenth century gradually gave way to more stringent restrictions that discriminated based on race, ethnicity, and national origin.

 

Until the latter half of the twentieth century, when talent and education were the main basis for entry into Canada, overt racism remained an element of Canadian immigration policy. The cultural variety of Canadian immigrants has been emphasized as a fundamental component of Canadian identity since the country adopted multiculturalism as an official policy in 1971. Immigration policy reveals Canada’s history of inclusion and exclusion through reflecting society’s views and attitudes.

 

Immigration Act, 1869:

Following the Federal union, the original policy of immigration in Canada included minimal limitations on immigration. The Immigration Act of 1869 was enacted to secure immigrants’ safety throughout their passage to Canada and protect them from exploitation.

 

Prime Minister John A. Macdonald thought that an open immigration policy would stimulate Western colonization; but, large-scale immigration never materialized since emigration remained far higher than immigration throughout the late nineteenth century.

 

Royal Commission on Chinese Immigration in 1885:

The Royal Commission on Chinese Immigration was established to demonstrate the need for Chinese immigration regulation in Canada. In the 1880s, many Chinese laborers arrived in Canada to work on the Canadian Pacific Railway’s western portion. Many politicians, trade unions, and white British Columbians opposed, claiming that the Chinese were immoral, disorderly, and incapable of integration. Each Chinese individual requesting entrance into Canada should pay a $10 fee, according to the commission.

 

Commission on Italian Immigration: 1904-1905:

In 1904, the Royal Commission on Italian Immigration was established to examine the exploitation of Italian laborers by padroni, or employment brokers. The padroni scouted Italian laborers for Canadian firms and handled their transportation and employment once they arrived. Many padroni overcharged prices for brokerage, transportation, and food supply, making the system plagued with corruption.

 

Immigration Act of 1906:

The Immigration Act of 1906 imposed further restrictions on immigration. It enlarged the categories of forbidden immigrants, codified the deportation procedure, and gave the government greater authority to make arbitrary admission decisions. While the legislation did not directly ban immigrants based on their culture, race, or nationality, it did allow the government to prohibit any class of immigrants if it deemed it essential or suitable.

 

Continuous Journey Regulation in 1908:

Prospective immigrants were obliged to immigrate to Canada on a continuous journey from the nation they were born or citizens, using a through ticket purchased in that country. The law practically prohibited Indian immigration because there was no direct steamship transportation between India and Canada. Blocking off the principal immigration route through Hawaii, also resulted in a decrease in Japanese immigration to Canada.

 

Amendment to the Immigration Act of 1919:

In reaction to the postwar economic depression, labor unrest, and rising anti-foreign sentiment, the government modified the Immigration Act in 1919 with more restrictive requirements. Immigrants from enemy foreign nations were refused admission, and political offenders’ restricted categories were enlarged. The governor-in-council was also given the power to restrict immigrants of any nationality, race, occupation, or social class from entering the country because of their “unique customs, habits, ways of life, and systems of property holding.”

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