Why were the passengers of the M.S. St. Louis denied entry into Canada?

The passengers of the M.S. St. Louis were primarily denied entry into Canada due to discrimination and government immigration policies that were in place at the time. In 1939, the St. Louis carried Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. Despite possessing valid travel documents and a desire for asylum, they were met with a Canadian immigration policy that was heavily influenced by anti-Semitic sentiments and a strict quota system that limited the number of Jewish refugees allowed into the country. The refusal to accept these individuals was not based on a lack of valid visas or large group size, but rather a reflection of the discriminatory attitudes that colored Canada’s immigration practices during that era. This incident highlights the broader context of how governmental policies can be influenced by societal prejudices, significantly impacting vulnerable groups seeking refuge.