National Interest Definition: A matter which has or could have impact upon all other members of society. In the context of a refugee and immigration law matter (Agraira), Justice Richard Mosley of the Federal Court of Canada wrote this:"[T]he determination of what is in the national interest ... would include whether the applicant posed a threat to Canada’s security; whether the applicant posed a danger to the public; the period of time the applicant had been in Canada; whether it is consistent with Canada’s humanitarian reputation of allowing permanent residents to settle in Canada; the impact on both the applicant and all other members of society of the denial of permanent residence; and the adherence to all of Canada’s international obligations."REFERENCES:Agraira v. Canada, 2009 FC 1302 Categories & Topics: Constitutional, Human Rights and Administrative Law Dictionary Immigration Law Dictionary International Law Dictionary Find you are constantly looking up definitions? Try our search provider (works in most modern browsers) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Legal Dictionary, or if you have legal term suggestion, we'd love to hear from you!