The Ethics of Migration

Book excerpt: In The Ethics of Migration: An Introduction, Adam Hosein systematically and comprehensively examines the ethical issues surrounding the concept of immigration. The book addresses important questions, such as: Can states claim a right to control their borders and, if so, to what extent? Is detention ever a justifiable means of border enforcement? Which criteria may states use to determine who should be admitted into their territory and how do these criteria interact with existing hierarchies of race and gender? Who should be considered a refugee? Which rights are migrants who are present in a territory entitled to? Is there an acceptable way to design a temporary worker program? When, if ever, are amnesties for unauthorized migrants appropriate? Featuring case studies throughout, this textbook provides a philosophical introduction to an incredibly topical issue studied by students within the fields of political philosophy, applied ethics, global studies, politics, law, sociology, and public policy.