Preface

• Author: Jamie Chai Yun Liew; Donald Galloway
• Pages: 23-24

xxiii

PR EFAC E

This book builds upon the f‌irst edition as an introductory guide to

immigration, refugee, and citi zenship law. Its aim is to provide an over-

view, or a starting point, both for those who want to investigate t he

mechanics of Canad a’s immigration regime and for those who want to

assess, cr itique, or question the aims and impact s of the law.

The book is divided into four parts and seventeen chapters. Part 1

provides context and delves into the sources and evolution of Canadi an

immigration law. Part 2 exami nes status in Canada, identify ing how

persons may obtain, keep, and lose temporary or permanent status.

Part 3 discusses the devices that the Canadian government uses to en-

force immigration law. Part 4 examines judicial supervision of govern-

ment action under the immigration regime, and in particular judicial

review and constitutional ch allenges.

Throughout the book, we aspire to provide some understanding

of the rules and processes of the immigration system in Canada, a s

well as the effects the system has on migrants and Canadians, but we

also hope that the text w ill plant a seed of skepticism about the policy

rationales and justif‌ic ations offered for various government decisions

and actions. Over the last few year s, the government has devolved

power from the legislature and civ il service to t he hands of a few cab-

inet ministers, permitting them to micromanage th rough the exercise of

discretion. Recent changes h ave resulted in revamped application and

review processes t hat provide fewer checks and balance s for many ap-

plicants. The government has also turned to “mini sterial instructions”