Canadian Immigration Law and Policy Then and Now

Canadian Immigration Law and Policy invites the reader to explore immigration the Canadian way. A look at pre- and post-Confederation migration is key to understanding modern immigration law and policy. A survey of permanent and temporary immigration pathways, including Quebec’s role and the history of immigration amnesties, provides the reader a richer understanding and debunks myths about the different immigration status holders in Canadian society.

Equally important to identifying why and how migrants enter Canada, is learning about which foreign nationals, permanent residents, and even citizens are inadmissible. The genesis and progression of immigration inadmissibility is a fascinating journey and articulation of societal, political, and legal norms that shaped the face of Canada.

This book also boldly goes into the future in contemplation of existing demographics, future immigration-level plans, source countries, and international competition for immigrants. Finally, a discovery of the emerging role of artificial intelligence and other technology in immigration processing reveals Canada is on the cusp of a transformative immigration legal and policy evolution within the next decade.

Mario D. Bellissimo is a certified specialist in citizenship and immigration law and refugee protection and the founder of Bellissimo Law Group PC.


Gregory Tardi is a member of the Québec Bar and has served as legal counsel for Elections Canada and senior parliamentary counsel at the House of Commons.