Exporting Canadian immigration policy: a comparative analysis of private sponsorship methods in Canada, the U.K. and Germany

Shaina Bianca Somers

doi:10.32920/ryerson.14661123.v1

Abstract

The private sponsorship of refugees (PSR) model, created in Canada 40 years ago, has a structure which allows citizens and permanent residents concerned about refugee resettlement to take action in their local communities by sponsoring refugees and providing them with financial, social and integration support. This paper critically analyzes and compares the private sponsorship of refugees (PSR) model in Canada, the United Kingdom (U.K.) and Germany and how it is being promoted, portrayed and received in each country. I argue that the PSR model should be a refugee resettlement option provided that the number of refugees admitted through this stream should not surpass the number of refugees admitted through government sponsorship; effective oversight and evaluation should be administered by governments and NGOs over groups and communities involved in sponsorship; and, diverse images and perspectives of refugees themselves should be used in the promotional material from governments and NGOs about private sponsorship. Key words: Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, private sponsorship, refugee, immigration policy, refugee resettlement

Highlights

AUTHOR’S DECLARATION FOR AN ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF AN MRP I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this MRP
EXPORTING CANADIAN IMMIGRATION POLICY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP METHODS IN CANADA, THE U.K, AND GERMANY Shaina Bianca Somers Master of Arts, 2019 Immigration and Settlement Studies Ryerson University ABSTRACT The private sponsorship of refugees (PSR) model, created in Canada 40 years ago, has a structure which allows citizens and permanent residents concerned about refugee resettlement to take action in their local communities by sponsoring refugees and providing them with financial, social and integration support
I argue that the PSR model should be a refugee resettlement option provided that the number of refugees admitted through this stream should not surpass the number of refugees admitted through government sponsorship; effective oversight and evaluation should be administered by governments and NGOs over groups and communities involved in sponsorship; and, diverse images and perspectives of refugees themselves should be used in the promotional material from governments and NGOs about private sponsorship

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Introduction

I authorize Ryerson University to lend this MRP to other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. I further authorize Ryerson University to reproduce this MRP by photocopying or by other means, in total or in part, at the request of other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. EXPORTING CANADIAN IMMIGRATION POLICY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP METHODS IN CANADA, THE U.K, AND GERMANY Shaina Bianca Somers Master of Arts, 2019 Immigration and Settlement Studies Ryerson University ABSTRACT The private sponsorship of refugees (PSR) model, created in Canada 40 years ago, has a structure which allows citizens and permanent residents concerned about refugee resettlement to take action in their local communities by sponsoring refugees and providing them with financial, social and integration support.

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