Lest we assume that the US has a monopoly on discriminatory immigration policies in North America, let us remember our brothers to the north, and the way that they treated Indian immigrants in the previous century:
On May 23rd, 1914, the Komagata Maru entered Burrard Inlet carrying 376 passengers looking forward to starting their lives in Canada. The ship and those on board arrived despite the recent introduction of Canada’s discriminatory Continuous Passage Regulation, a law that required immigrants to Canada to arrive by a single, direct journey from their country of origin. Because no direct route between the Dominion of Canada and British India existed, this policy was a roundabout means to exclude Indian immigration and preserve — in the words of a popular song of the time — “White Canada forever.”
Like the Canadians on shore, all Komagata Maru passengers were subjects of the British Empire and many had fought for Britain, upholding the very freedoms they now desired. Upon arrival, the passengers were immediately detained by Canadian immigration authorities determined to keep the ship at anchor. Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet became the flashpoint for a standoff that gained international attention.
Their inability to land caused hardship for the passengers, who soon lacked food and water. The passengers were also denied access to medical attention, communication with their family and proper legal counsel. Their challenge to Canada’s right to deny their landing was delayed and eventually denied. On July 23, 1914, the Komagata Maru passengers were forced to leave Canada.
– From komagatamaru100.com
Movements and Moments 