What defines enemy aliens?

The term "enemy aliens" specifically refers to individuals who are citizens or subjects of a nation that is in conflict with the nation they are residing in, usually during wartime. The defining characteristic of these individuals is their citizenship, as it determines their allegiance to a government that may be considered an enemy. This means that enemy aliens are classified based on the country they owe allegiance to, which directly relates to their citizenship rather than their residency, political beliefs, or criminal records.

Residency does play a role in the context of how these individuals are treated within the country they are residing in, especially during times of war, but it is not the defining characteristic of an enemy alien. Citizenship is what categorizes someone as an enemy alien, since the status of being in conflict with one's own government is firmly rooted in the concept of allegiance to a nation.

Understanding this distinction is crucial within Canadian hospitality law and broader legal contexts, as it influences how the law applies to individuals considered enemy aliens, particularly regarding their rights and the protections or restrictions that might be imposed on them during periods of international conflict.