Series consists of files in block 3 of the Deputy Minister's registry filing system. The records cover the activities of the Immigration Branch at the Deputy Minister's level, dated mainly between 1947 and 1967. The files are subject-coded in a duplex-numeric system. In about 1959, this Registry file series was set up in the Office of the Deputy Minister of the new Department of Citizenship and Immigration for records relating to the Deputy Minister's activities and responsibilities. These records parallel those of the various specialized Branches of the Department, and duplicate them to some extent. However, the DM's files tend to contain documentation of a more political nature, or concerning policy-making at a higher level, than is found in the Branch files. The DM's registry filing system was subdivided into about eight blocks, including one general block and seven others for each of the major programs administered by the Department as follows: Block 1, Departmental Administration and General (RG26-A-1-a); Block 2, Citizenship (RG26-A-1-b); Block 3, Immigration (RG26-A-1-c); Block 6, Indian Affairs (RG22); Block 8, Manpower (RG26-A-1-d).
Most of the records in this series are subject files on topics including: immigration policy, legislation and regulations; Cabinet, parliamentary, inter-departmental and departmental committees on immigration; past and present organization and administration of the Immigration Branch (including overseas and Canadian field offices and NHQ) and of the Immigration Appeal Board; the programme's relationship with other federal departments (especially Labour, Manpower, and Health and Welfare), provincial governments, international and national organizations, and special interest groups; participation in conferences and other special events; immigration security and enforcement policies and procedures, including arrangements for Stage "B" examinations (generally and in particular countries), the Adjustment Statement Program, illegal entries and other irregularities, radical groups, and organized crime; immigration statistics, publicity and information; treatment of special groups, including refugees, entrepreneurs, child immigrants, enemy aliens, specific national and ethnic groups, and specific trade, occupation and labour categories.
There are also files on the administration of the Immigration programme, including occupational selection; processing and documentation; medical and security examination; settlement, employment, and welfare services for immigrants on arrival; transportation and assisted passage services; and negotiation of services to be provided by non-governmental organizations. The most significant policy and security-related material (1947-1972) is concentrated largely, though not exclusively, in volumes 161-170.
A small number of special case files on controversial individuals whose immigration status was reviewed at a high level in the department (dated 1932, 1947-1967) are found in volumes 172-173. These include files on Communists Reid Robinson, Sam Carr and Fred Rose, and on the Supreme Court appeal against deportation made by Irene Rebrin, 1959-1966.
The bulk of the records in this series were created within the Department of Citizenship and Immigration between 1949 and 1966. However, these files incorporate some earlier file material from predecessor departments dated 1929-1949. They also include some records dated 1966-1972, created within the successor Department of Manpower and Immigration.
