Indigenous Perspectives of Immigration Policy in a Settler Country

Abstract

Abstract The immigration policies in settler colonial countries rarely consider Indigenous perspectives or solicit their input—a reality that is particularly problematic given the key role that immigration policies have played and continue to play in the colonialization process. In this paper, we use Canada as a case study to examine the intersection of Indigenous experiences and the country’s immigration policy, and why and how Indigenous voices have been excluded from decision-making about immigrant selection. In addition, we review the academic and grey literature to investigate what the Indigenous perspectives that have been shared surrounding immigration policy currently are. Some perspectives affirm the need and desire for new immigrants while simultaneously engaging with the Canadian state’s problematic treatment of temporary migrants. Other perspectives fundamentally challenge the Westphalian state and its claim to regulate human mobility in the name of sovereignty. We connect these perspectives with academic open borders and no border debates.