selective opportunistic humanitarianism
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Canada’s decision to accept Ugandan Asian expellees was part of the country’s will to change its image toward multiculturalism and humanitarianism. Trudeau openly presented Canada as being on the path of a shift toward a more inclusive society (Muhammedi, 81), which conveniently overlooked Canada’s historical legacy of injustice toward immigrants, Indigenous and other marginalized communities. Thus, this decision to accept Asian immigrants from Uganda was opportunistic in the way that it would help them restore their image and bury their racist history.
Moreover, while the government said they had a moral obligation to accept them and claimed compassion, there were other reasons behind that. First, some clear political and economic calculations were made, making this “compassionate” act a form of selective humanitarianism. Ugandan Asians were deemed “desirable migrants” (84); they were educated, highly skilled, and would benefit the economy rather than relying on the Canadian system. In sum, the rational calculation was that the cost of receiving them would be inferior to the benefits of giving a good image internationally and reaffirming loyalty to Britain (98). Moreover, to avoid this act from being a precedent for other minorities to come to seek refuge in Canada, they decided it was better not to treat them as “refugees” but rather as expellees (92). This demonstrates the limitations of Canada’s humanitarianism.
Second, there was an agreement between the Aga Khan and Trudeau, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, which was kept secret from the public (94). They were close friends and worked together to ensure the successful establishment of Ismaili Ugandan Asians in Canada. The latter were given priority in resettlement on the grounds of being the most in need of resettlement. This shows the arbitrary and selective nature of Canada’s immigration policy and the rational interests behind accepting Ugandan Asians.