Syrians' identities strategies
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In Identifying as an Arab in Canada, Asal explores the struggle Syrians faced in Canada when the government adopted “anti-Asian immigration” laws. The system of racial hierarchy and assimilation were very present in 20th Century Canada, and the feeling of white European superiority persisted even in the post-war period, and still today.
Three laws targeted Syrians. In 1908, the Continuous journey policy was adopted. Migrants had to arrive from their country of origin without any stops along the way. In 1910, the government declared that immigrants of “Asiatic origin” had to possess $200 on arrival. In 1930, Canada prohibited entry to all immigrants of “Asiatic origin” except wives and minor children of Canadian citizens or residents. Syrians campaigned to remove themselves from the “Asiatic” category. Various organizations sent requests to officials about the removal, all using the same arguments. They thought they should not be a part of the “Asiatic race” because they were closer to Europeans than Asians. Secondly, they used the “assimilability” argument. Syrians presented themselves as good citizens, with Canadian values, who never had any problems with the police or justice system. It worked to a certain extent. The government was inclined to treat admissions on a case-by-case basis, rather than changing the law. Some MPs had a humanitarian approach and agreed with the removal. For example, given their suffering under Turkish rule and the difficulties of war, Syrians and Armenians should immigrate to Canada without money.
In 1947, the government changed its stance on the subject thanks to campaigning from different political groups. The public was more open to immigration, and they felt guilt in response to international pressure over Canada closing its borders to refugees and the prohibition on discrimination by the newly founded UN. Canada opened its borders.
We already touched on that last class, but I think it is interesting the idea that Syrians were trying to fit into the white category to get more privileges. They tried to prove they were good candidates for immigration and good citizens. Racial categorization was reappropriated by its victims to try to benefit more from the system. Syrians were impacted by the “anti-Asiatic” legislation and campaigned to reach a higher status to which they believed they belonged. I wonder if they really believed in the racial hierarchies or if they just went along with it to reach a higher status.