Immigrant Incorporation in East Asian Democracies

This book explores how restrictive immigration policies and exclusionary practices in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan until the early 2000s led to divergent patterns of immigrant incorporation. It shows how civil society actors, including immigrants themselves, mobilized immigrant actors and shaped public debate and policy on immigration, challenging the dominant scholarship that focuses on culture, domestic political elites, and international norms.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 08 October 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Despite facing labor shortages and rapidly shrinking working-age populations, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan implemented restrictive immigration policies and exclusionary practices towards immigrants until the early 2000s. While Taiwan maintained this trajectory, Japan took incremental steps to expand immigrant services at the grassroots level, and South Korea enacted sweeping immigration reforms. How did convergent policies yield these divergent patterns of immigrant incorporation?

This book departs from the dominant scholarship that focuses on culture, domestic political elites, and international norms, highlighting the significant role of civil society actors, including immigrants themselves, in giving voice to immigrant interests, mobilizing immigrant actors, and shaping public debate and policy on immigration. Drawing from more than 150 in-depth interviews and focus groups with over twenty immigrant communities, Immigrant Incorporation in East Asian Democracies examines how the civic legacies of past struggles for democracy shape current movements for immigrant rights and recognition.

The book explores the complex interplay between national policies, local contexts, and the experiences of immigrants in these East Asian democracies. It examines how the historical legacies of authoritarianism, colonization, and war have shaped the political and social attitudes towards immigrants, as well as the institutional frameworks and policies that govern their incorporation. The book also explores the role of civil society organizations, including immigrant advocacy groups, community-based organizations, and religious institutions, in promoting immigrant rights and social integration.

One of the key findings of the book is that the civic legacies of past struggles for democracy play a significant role in shaping current movements for immigrant rights and recognition. For example, the Japanese experience with forced labor and internment during World War II has led to a strong sense of empathy and solidarity with immigrants, particularly those from Asian countries. This legacy has contributed to the development of a more inclusive and welcoming society towards immigrants, with policies that prioritize their integration and protection.

In contrast, the historical legacies of colonization and authoritarianism in South Korea and Taiwan have led to more restrictive policies towards immigrants. These legacies have been reinforced by the fear of job competition and cultural clashes, which have led to policies that prioritize national security and control over immigration. However, the recent waves of immigration from Southeast Asia and other parts of the world have put pressure on these policies, leading to some reforms and increased recognition of immigrant rights.

The book also highlights the importance of immigrant actors in shaping public debate and policy on immigration. Immigrants themselves have been at the forefront of advocating for their rights and promoting social integration. They have organized grassroots movements, launched legal challenges, and engaged in political activism to challenge restrictive policies and promote a more inclusive society.

Despite the progress made in recent years, there are still significant challenges facing immigrants in East Asian democracies. These challenges include discrimination, language barriers, and limited access to education and employment opportunities. The book calls for policies that promote immigrant integration, including language training, education programs, and job training initiatives, to help immigrants overcome these barriers and contribute to the social and economic development of their host countries.

In conclusion, Immigrant Incorporation in East Asian Democracies provides a valuable contribution to the scholarship on immigration and integration in East Asia. By highlighting the role of civil society actors and the civic legacies of past struggles for democracy, the book sheds light on the complex processes that shape immigrant incorporation in these democracies. The book's findings have important implications for policymakers, civil society organizations, and immigrants themselves, as they work towards building more inclusive and welcoming societies for all.

Weight: 574g
Dimension: 160 x 235 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107042537