Canadian Liberalism and the Politics of Border Control, 1867-1967

Book excerpt: With restrictive immigration policies, increased interdiction, and the detention of asylum seekers, it is clear that Canada’s approach to border control has shifted in recent years. Yet such practices are just the latest in a long and complex national history. Canadian Liberalism and the Politics of Border Control sheds light on the first century of Canada’s efforts to control its borders, framing pivotal moments within a long-standing but often overlooked debate over the rights of non-citizens. Anderson provides valuable insights into contemporary liberal-democratic control by demonstrating that today’s more restrictive approach reflects traditions deeply embedded within liberal democracies.