Do States Have the Right to Exclude Immigrants? [Hardcover]

States claim the right to choose who can come to their country. They put up barriers and expose migrants to deadly journeys. Those who survive are labelled illegal and find themselves vulnerable and unrepresented. The international state system advantages the lucky few born in rich countries and locks others into poor and often repressive ones.

In this book, Christopher Bertram skilfully weaves a lucid exposition of the debates in political philosophy with original insights to argue that migration controls must be justifiable to everyone, including would-be and actual immigrants. Until justice prevails, states have no credible right to exclude and no-one is obliged to obey their immigration rules.

Bertrams analysis powerfully cuts through the fog of political rhetoric that obscures this controversial topic. It will be essential reading for anyone interested in the politics and ethics of migration.

• Contents
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• Chapter 1: Migration Today and in History
• Chapter 2: Justifying a Migration Regime from an Impartial Perspective
• Chapter 3: Obligations of Individuals and States in an Unjust World
• Concluding Thoughts
• References
• Notes

Bertrams excellent book provides a lucid overview of contemporary philosophical debates about immigration. Its brevity, accessible style, real-world examples, and distinctive perspective will appeal to scholars and students alike. A must read.
Joseph H. Carens, University of Toronto

This is a distinctive and immensely accessible contribution to the philosophical debate about immigration. Bertram demonstrates the moral and polã,