Immigration, Security, and the Liberal State: The Politics of Migration Regulation in Europe and the United States

This book provides an original perspective on the dominant mode of politics and evolving norms shaping the immigration policies of contemporary liberal states, challenging existing paradigms that privilege economic and cultural factors over new security ones. It exposes the restrictive nature of immigration politics and policies when immigration is framed as a security threat and considers its implications for civil liberties.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 514 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This book provides a fresh perspective on the dominant mode of politics and evolving norms shaping the immigration policies of contemporary liberal states by contextualizing the regulation of human mobility within a new security framework. The authors challenge the prevailing paradigms that prioritize economic and cultural factors over new security concerns in explaining the critical institutional and normative changes in migration management from the early post-WWII period to the post-Cold War era. By drawing on evidence from a diverse range of sources, including media and elite discourse, policy tracking, party manifesto data, and public opinion surveys across Europe and the United States, the book exposes the restrictive nature of immigration politics and policies when immigration is framed as a security threat. It also considers the implications of this approach for civil liberties. The findings of the book make valuable contributions to the literatures on international migration, security, and public opinion, drawing upon a rich array of scholarly sub-disciplines.

Introduction:
The regulation of human mobility has become an increasingly important aspect of contemporary security policy, as the flows of people across borders have become more complex and interconnected. In this context, this book aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the dominant mode of politics and evolving norms shaping the immigration policies of contemporary liberal states. By examining the ways in which immigration is framed as a security threat, the book seeks to understand the implications of this framing for civil liberties and the broader political landscape.

Paradigm Shift:
The traditional understanding of immigration policy has been rooted in economic and cultural factors, with the assumption that immigration can bring economic benefits and cultural diversity to host countries. However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift towards a new security paradigm that emphasizes the potential risks associated with immigration. This shift has been driven by a range of factors, including the rise of terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the increasing number of refugees fleeing conflict and persecution.

Restrictive Immigration Policies:
As a result of the new security paradigm, many contemporary liberal states have adopted increasingly restrictive immigration policies. These policies often prioritize security concerns over economic and cultural factors, leading to the detention and deportation of migrants who are perceived as a threat to national security. The use of detention and deportation as a means of immigration control has raised concerns about the human rights of migrants and the effectiveness of immigration policies in addressing security concerns.

Implications for Civil Liberties:
The restrictive immigration policies adopted by contemporary liberal states have significant implications for civil liberties. These policies often limit the rights of migrants to freedom of movement, freedom of expression, and freedom of association. They also create a climate of fear and insecurity among migrant communities, which can lead to social isolation and discrimination.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the literature on immigration policy and security. By challenging the dominant mode of politics and evolving norms shaping the immigration policies of contemporary liberal states, the book highlights the need for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to immigration policy that balances security concerns with the rights and dignity of migrants.

Weight: 736g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009297998