Ableism, racism and colonialism in Canadian Immigration: Exploring constructions of people with disabilities

Abstract

Abstract This dissertation reports on the findings of a study that set out to examine how discourses of ableism, racism and colonialism shape Canadian immigration policies, and settlement practices. This research examined how these discourses contribute to constructing immigration applicants with disabilities as an inadmissible social group. With a focus directed to the application process as a key knowledge gap in the intersection of disability and immigration, I launched this study with the aim of answering the following main research question: “How do discourses of ableism, racism and colonialism construct immigration applicants with disabilities? Through a critical discourse analysis study of official Citizenship and Immigration documents as well as episodic interviews with 23 participants (immigrants with disabilities, family members, and service providers), findings demonstrate the importance of understanding immigration as a continuum from pre-application to settlement. I argue that the immigration process is shaped and defined by central discourses that construct immigration as an opportunity for a better life through which ableist, racist and colonial discourses are reflected and reinforced. Social workers and other helping professionals involved in settlement services for immigrants with disabilities play significant roles in how discourses of opportunity are actualized and materialized. The dissertation ends with implications for critical research, theory and social work practice.