What would happen if border controls were to be suppressed and people granted the right to move freely throughout the world? This volume explores the various dimensions of "Migration Without Borders" scenario and looks at the convergences and contradictions between the different takes on the topic, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.
International migration is high on the public and political agenda of many countries, as the movement of people raises concerns while often eluding states' attempts at regulation. In this context, the 'Migration Without Borders' scenario challenges conventional views on the need to control and restrict migration flows and brings a fresh perspective to contemporary debates. This book explores the analytical issues raised by 'open borders', in terms of ethics, human rights, economic development, politics, social cohesion and welfare, and provides in-depth empirical investigations of how free movement is addressed and governed in Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia. By introducing and discussing the possibility of a right to mobility, it calls for an opening, not only of national borders, but also of the eyes and minds of all those interested in the future of international migration in a globalising world.
Silver Medal Recipient from the Association of Borderlands for the 2009 Past Presidents' Book Award
"...a very mind-stretching, stimulating book." · Joan Anderson, University of San Diego (for the ABS Past Presidents' 2009 Book Award committee)
"In taking up their consideration of migration without borders, editors Antoine Pécoud and Paul de Guchteneire have assembled an impressive and diverse list of contributors, whose expertise covers many disciplines of the social sciences and, in some cases, also involves direct experience in such international organizations as the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU). Equally compelling is the fact that authors are located in countries of the global North and the global South, and the topical coverage by the authors considers both North and South. Rarely indeed has such systematic attention been paid to a broad comparative context in grappling with the economic, social, human rights, and ethical implications of the idea of 'migration without borders.'" · Canadian Studies in Population
"This long-awaited book?gives a good overview of the issues at stake and offers a survey of the discourses and ethical arguments and the migration rights and regimes in several countries, regions and worldwide?all [chapters] are well written, illustrative and accessible?The volume will?provoke dispute and compels the reader to participate in this fascinating exercise." · International Migration and Integration
"The theoretical and practical range in this collection of essays is impressive, and the reader is left with a greater understanding of the complex dimensions that must be considered when governments try to manage the movement of people?All those interested in the future of international migration in a globalizing world will find the research presented in this book to be a stimulating mix of discomforting realities and hopeful possibilities." · Population, Space, and Place
"?makes a very interesting read for anyone who wishes to get hold of a comprehensive exposition of the complex dynamics of migratory trends in the globalised world we live in today?This should definitely serve as a core text for anyone involved in policy-making in this area." · CLR News
"Each essay provides a detailed, well-written overview of the historical development and demographic growth of international migration in the region. These regional essays are miniature masterpieces, and the authors demonstrate encyclopedic knowledge of their subjects. Overall, the book has a far higher degree of thematic coherence and development than most anthologies on global migration?.Highly recommended." · Choice