Gatekeepers: Reshaping Immigrant Lives in Cold War Canada

During the Cold War, Canada's immigration policies were shaped by a complex interplay of domestic and international factors. On the one hand, Canada sought to attract skilled immigrants to help fuel its post-war economic growth. On the other hand, the country was concerned about the potential for communist infiltration and subversion. As a result, Canada's immigration policies were often contradictory and confusing.

Gatekeepers: Reshaping Immigrant Lives in Cold War Canada

by Franca Iacovetta

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5772 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	600 pages
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The book Gatekeepers: Reshaping Immigrant Lives in Cold War Canada provides a comprehensive examination of these policies and their impact on the lives of immigrants. Drawing on extensive archival research and interviews, the book offers a nuanced and detailed account of the ways in which Canada's immigration system shaped the experiences of newcomers during this turbulent period.

Canada's Immigration Policies During the Cold War

Canada's immigration policies during the Cold War were characterized by a number of key features.

• Selective Immigration: Canada prioritized the admission of skilled immigrants who could contribute to the country's economic growth. This policy was reflected in the point system that was introduced in 1967, which awarded points for factors such as education, work experience, and language skills.
• National Security Concerns: The Cold War led to a heightened concern about national security, and this was reflected in Canada's immigration policies. The government introduced a number of measures to screen out potential security risks, including background checks and interviews.
• Discrimination: Canada's immigration policies during the Cold War were also characterized by discrimination against certain groups of people. For example, the government placed quotas on the number of immigrants from certain countries, and it also discriminated against non-white immigrants.

The Impact of Immigration Policies on Immigrants

Canada's immigration policies had a profound impact on the lives of immigrants. These policies shaped the ways in which immigrants were able to enter the country, find work, and establish themselves in their new communities.

For many immigrants, the point system was a source of frustration. They argued that the system was biased against them and that it made it difficult for them to bring their families to Canada. The national security concerns that shaped Canada's immigration policies also had a negative impact on immigrants. They were often subjected to intrusive background checks and interviews, and they were sometimes denied entry to the country based on vague security concerns.

The discrimination that was inherent in Canada's immigration policies also had a significant impact on the lives of immigrants. Non-white immigrants were often denied entry to the country, and those who were allowed in were subjected to discrimination in employment, housing, and education.

Gatekeepers: Reshaping Immigrant Lives in Cold War Canada is a valuable contribution to the historiography of immigration and Cold War Canada. The book provides a comprehensive and nuanced account of the ways in which Canada's immigration policies shaped the experiences of newcomers during this turbulent period.

The book has important implications for contemporary debates about immigration policy. It shows that Canada's immigration policies have always been shaped by a complex interplay of domestic and international factors, and that these policies have had a profound impact on the lives of immigrants.

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Gatekeepers: Reshaping Immigrant Lives in Cold War Canada

by Franca Iacovetta

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5772 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	600 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE