A Policy Analysis of the Canadian Immigration Detention System

Many scholars and researchers continue to call upon Canada’s Immigration Detention system as one that is shifting towards a more punitive approach rather than a holistic one. Canada continues to imprison thousands of individuals on immigration-related grounds every year. The main issue that arises from the country’s detention system is the abusive conditions and environments that detainees are held in. The existent literature on this area raises concerns on the detainment of children, the punitive nature of the system, and the mental and physical health issues that are a result of this system. This paper seeks to provide an insight into the punitive conditions of Canada’s Immigration Detention System and suggest alternative policies and programs to mitigate the harms families face due to detention. Overall, the flaws within Canada’s Detention System reflect the current detention policies that are in place. Keywords: Immigration, Detention, Canada, Policy, Children, Mental Health