The impact of 9/11 events in the USA on the changes in Canadian immigration policy

Abstract

The coordinated terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001 in the United States, set off a new stage in the strategic development of many countries in the world. A number of states have been affected by the events of that day, because since 9/11 they have changed their political priorities. Moreover, that attacks provoked the spread of the radicalization and intolerance in many societies. This aggression was faced by categories of people such as immigrants, refugees, representatives of other cultures or religions, but mainly concerned the creation of a negative, hostile image of Muslims. This article is devoted to the study of the impact of terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001 on Canadian immigration policy, including refugee policy, and the anti-terrorist legislation. Firstly, the article gives a brief overview of the coordination between Canada and the USA, such as Smart Border Declaration. Next, it presents different actions that Government of Canada has taken to address the threat of terrorism after 2001, such as creation of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, Canada Command and Canada Border Services Agency. Then, this research focuses on legislative changes such as An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Official Secrets Act, the Canada Evidence Act, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) Act and other Acts, and to enact measures respecting the registration of charities in order to combat terrorism, and An Act respecting immigration to Canada and the granting of refugee protection to persons who are displaced, persecuted or in danger. Finally, in the research it is paid attention to immigration and refugee tolerance in Canadian society during the first year after the attacks of 9/11.