What made a desirable immigrant?
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At the start of the 20th century, Canadian immigration policies were shaped by economic needs and racial and cultural priorities. The government aimed for immigrants who could populate rural areas, work in agriculture, or contribute to industrial growth. Immigrants from Western and Northern Europe were given preference, as they were considered racially and culturally compatible with Canada’s predominantly white and Christian identity. These groups were believed to assimilate easily into Canadian society, adopting its language, values, and customs.
Immigrants from the Mashreq, including Syrians, faced significant challenges. They were classified as "Asiatics" and subjected to exclusionary policies like the 1908 "Continuous Journey" rule, which required migrants to travel directly from their country of origin, and a financial requirement of $200 (later raised to $250). These restrictions, along with racial prejudice, severely limited their ability to immigrate. Despite their financial stability and strong community networks, Syrians were denied the privileges afforded to European immigrants. In response, they actively resisted through petitions, highlighting their shared Caucasian heritage and Christian values to argue for reclassification as "Europeans." These efforts were aimed at demonstrating their compatibility with Canada’s cultural ideals and their potential for assimilation and contribution to society. However, systemic racism and policies preferring European immigrants continued, reflecting a vision of Canada as a racially homogeneous nation.
This struggle for inclusion and identity reminds me of a concept discussed in one of my other course , where marginalized groups negotiate their identities to fit into dominant cultural norms. For example, Syrian immigrants’ efforts to highlight their shared cultural and racial traits to gain acceptance reflects the idea of how identity is shaped and constrained by external forces, like laws and societal perceptions. This is similar to what I learned about Canada’s assimilation policies for Indigenous peoples, where cultural conformity was enforced. While the contexts differ, both cases highlight how marginalized groups resist and adapt under systemic pressures. The resilience of these immigrant communities, fighting for inclusion despite significant barriers, illustrates a universal pattern of negotiating identity and belonging in a discriminatory system.