Research Questions
- What have been the policy priorities in terms of the control of irregular migration over the past 10 years? How have these priorities evolved and why?
- How do border policy instruments impact irregular migration and access to refugee protection?
- What is the scope of instruments directed towards irregular migration and border control? Who are the major actors involved in the implementation of these instruments?
- Are current legislative and policy measures consistent with constitutional law and international human rights law? Do they work in intended ways?
Methodology
- A synthesis and critical analysis of policy and legal documents as well as grey literature in Canada to analyze legislative and policy changes
- Semi-structured interviews carried out in four Canadian cities: Toronto, Windsor, Montreal, and Ottawa with the following groups:
- Canadian government public officials, representatives of intergovernmental organizations such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and their Canadian representatives in Canadian cities
- Former asylum seekers and former undocumented migrants
- Practitioners and advocates who operate on the ground in Canada
Policy and Stakeholder Engagement
The research team will organize workshops with key stakeholders including public officials, NGO members, practitioners, and other civil society representatives to deliver research outcomes and strengthen policy recommendations.
Youth Engagement
The research team will develop and deliver outreach workshops to engage young people in issues surrounding refugees, borders, and migration.
Our Team
The research team is made up of faculty and students from Toronto Metropolitan University. This study is funded by the Province of Ontario.