Toward a Theory of Immigration

"Changes in the global political order and trends in liberal political philosophy have called into question the state's traditional right to regulate immigration according to its own national identity. Indeed, the politics of immigration - from Mexican President Vicente Fox's bold call for open borders with the United states to Australia's recent refusal to admit a ship carrying hundreds of illegally smuggled, asylum-seeking immigrants - has become a staple of the nightly news. Meilaender examines these issues thoroughly and argues forcefully that states may legitimately exercise wide discretion in crafting immigration policies that reflect their own particular visions of political community. His arguments not only clarify why states may control immigration, but they also serve as a lens through which to focus on abiding dilemmas of politics and culture that lie at the heart of political philosophy."--BOOK JACKET. Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.