The impact of restrictive immigration policies on human trafficking in Canada

Abstract

Trafficking human beings is a global phenomenon that has garnered increasing international attention in recent years. Globalization has created a growing awareness of Western socio-economic advantages among people of poorer, developing countries, and has led to a pursuit of legal and illegal methods of migration. International concerns regarding heightened national security, stemming from the global war on terrorism, have implications on illegal methods of migration, in particular human trafficking. Over the past two decades, many immigrant-receiving countries, including Canada, have repositioned the immigration issue as a security threat and foreigners or migrants are now seen as outside the circle of legality. Thus, Western governments implemented stricter immigration policies with more rigorous border controls to ensure the security and stability of their nation. This thesis investigates the relationship between stricter migration policies and human trafficking. Restrictive immigration policies in Canada confine migrants into exploitative temporary visa programs such as exotic dancers and live-in caregivers. Studies and available information demonstrate these programs leave migrants extremely vulnerable and susceptible to exploitation.