Familialism and migrant welfare policy: restrictions on social security provision for newly arrived immigrants

Abstract

This article assesses the ways in which expectations around familial reliance are built into welfare policies for newly arrived immigrants. Through analysis of policies in place in Australia and Canada, it shows how familial reliance is tied as a condition of immigration entry, as well as eligibility for social welfare. It demonstrates how these rules differ across welfare benefit and visa categories. Patterns of familialism are heightened in the immigrant welfare setting and apply to a broader range of benefits and familial relationships, than for general welfare receivers, suggesting new extensions to the familialism scholarship.