Introduction

Abstract

This book seeks to defend a view that most people probably still take for granted: that states are entitled, within certain wide limits, to craft immigration policies as they see fit, based upon their particular histories, cultures, interests, and desires. In the not-too-distant past, such a defense would not have been necessary. The right to control immigration has long been considered a sovereign right of states in the modern world. It is part and parcel of the state’s power over its territory, recognized as a fundamental principle of international law. Needless to say, that power has never been exercised absolutely; people have always crossed boundaries, licitly and illicitly. But that states are entitled to exercise such control has not been in question, nor have states indicated a desire to abandon their right to this authority.