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Constructing undesirables: A critical discourse analysis of 'othering' within the Protecting Canada's Immigration System Act.

Authors :
Huot, Suzanne
Bobadilla, Andrea
Bailliard, Antoine
Laliberte Rudman, Debbie
Source :
International Migration; Apr2016, Vol. 54 Issue 2, p131-143, 13p
Publication Year :
2016

Abstract

Immigration policy in Canada has recently shifted, reflecting changes in other Western countries. We studied the discursive constructions of forced migrants within Bill C-31 "Protecting Canada's Immigration System Act" and its associated Backgrounder documents published by the Canadian Government. The documents were analysed using an approach to critical discourse analysis adapted from Bacchi's (2009) methodology and informed by a theoretical framework of "othering". Particular groups of migrants were represented as posing threats to the economy, the integrity of the refugee system, and national security. The documents offered three solutions: the creation of specific categories of migrants, an emphasis upon efficiency of the system, and expanded powers to the government. The problematization of asylum seekers as posing multiple threats to Canadian society obfuscates governmental responsibilities to this population and reflects common strategies of neoliberal governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00207985
Volume :
54
Issue :
2
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
International Migration
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
113883906
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/imig.12210