A Theoretical Approach to the Immigration Policies of Immigrant-Receiving States
Subject Areas : Interdisciplinary studies in political science
GholamAbbas Hosseini
1
,
Mohammad Radmard
2
,
Hossein Rafi
3
1 - Ph.D Student of international relations, Mazandaran University, Iran.
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Mazandaran University, Iran.
3 - Associate Professor, Political Science Department, Mazandaran University, Iran.
Keywords: Immigration Policy, Immigration, National Interests, National Values and Immigrant-Friendly States.,
Abstract :
Migration, as a significant social phenomenon, has always been of interest to scholars across various disciplines. In recent decades, with the expansion of globalization, its importance has dramatically increased, turning migration into a multifaceted challenge, particularly in industrialized nations. These challenges have led to varied approaches by immigrant-receiving states when dealing with migration. The aim of the present paper is indeed the examination of the link between national interests and values and explaining why different countries adopt diverse immigration policies.
Research Methodology
This study employs an explanatory research method, with data gathered from library resources. The paper’s approach is primarily based on an analysis of migration theories and their connection to the concepts of national interests and national values.
Findings of the Research
The present paper explores the factors influencing the immigration policies of states, analyzing these factors in two main sections: “national interests” and “national values”. It identifies four dimensions of national interests (economic, social, military-security, and environmental) and three aspects of national values (ethics, customs, and religion) as crucial in shaping the immigration policies of immigrant-receiving countries.
- National Interests
National interests refer to “matters valued solely based on their benefits to the nation”. The focus is on determining which policies are advantageous for preserving national elements like territorial integrity, independence, sovereignty, national power, and social institutions; these are what constitute national interests. This interpretation aligns national interests closely with national security, rooted in utilitarian foundations. Below, the various dimensions of national interests in immigration policies are discussed:
Economic-Centric Immigration Policies:
Immigration policies are primarily influenced by the economic needs of the labor market (Viprey, 2010; 150). Governments’ initial interaction with immigrants is often economic because, regardless of their reasons for migration, immigrants seek employment to meet their financial needs upon entering the host country. Consequently, migration has long been analyzed from an economic perspective by scholars and policymakers. The economy holds critical importance for governments, and any crisis in this area can threaten the political system’s survival.
The economic strength of countries also plays a pivotal role in migration. Nations with weak and unstable economies often lose their workforce through emigration, whereas those with stable economies seek to attract immigrants to fill labor shortages (Weiner, 1990: 96). However, economic stability is not absolute; even strong economies may face crises. In such circumstances, their immigration policies often change. Most migration-related laws are developed and implemented during economic crises, as the costs associated with immigrants and the provision of services to them gain more attention during these periods (Viprey, 2010: 154-155).
Social-Centric Immigration Policies:
This type of policy focuses on the social integration of immigrants and its impact on the host society. Social integration refers to the ability of immigrants to adapt to the host society and participate in social, cultural, and economic activities (Safi, 2006: 4). One of the major challenges in this area is the cultural and social conflicts between immigrants and the host society. Immigrants who have significant cultural differences from the host community often face greater resistance.
Governments typically shape their immigration policies to facilitate social integration while protecting the cultural and social identity of the host society. This often involves programs such as language training, access to social services, and cultural integration initiatives. However, social-centric immigration policies can sometimes lean toward restricting immigrants’ rights and freedoms. Some countries systematically attempt to control the social impact of immigrants on the host society and implement strict laws concerning issues such as marriage, citizenship, and the social rights of immigrants.
Security-Military Immigration Policies:
Following events like the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, security concerns in immigration policies have increased significantly. Governments now consider immigrants not only as a workforce but also as potential security threats. Security-focused policies are designed to prevent the entry of individuals who may pose a risk or exacerbate security issues. Immigrants are sometimes viewed as a “fifth column”, potentially dangerous for the host country due to political, ethnic, or religious ties to their home countries (Ceyhan, 2001: 2).
These stricter immigration policies due to security concerns often take the form of enhanced surveillance laws and more stringent border controls. Nations develop complex mechanisms for monitoring immigrants and closely controlling the flow of people to minimize security risks. A critical aspect of the security-military dimension is the impact of immigrants on the political stability of the host country. States facing internal security challenges are more likely to adopt stringent immigration policies to prevent domestic unrest.
Environment-Centric Immigration Policies:
Large-scale immigration can significantly affect the environment of
the host country. Population growth due to immigration can put pressure on natural resources, agricultural land, and green spaces. Governments take these issues into account in their immigration policies and seek to control migration flows to mitigate environmental threats. Besides, immigrants from less developed areas may not be familiar with the environmental practices of advanced countries, which can lead to environmental harm. Host countries may structure their environmental policies to indirectly or directly limit migration to prevent environmental degradation. These policies often address issues such as the distribution of natural resources, waste management, and environmental preservation (Turner, 2022: 119).
- National Values
In addition to national interests, national values play a crucial role in shaping immigration policies. These values encompass the norms, beliefs, and principles that governments utilize to maintain the cultural and social identity of their society (Johnson, 2014: 1231). This paper highlights ethics, customs, and religion as the primary values influencing immigration policies.
Ethics-Based Immigration Policies:
Ethics in immigration policies refers to adherence to human principles and human rights in dealing with immigrants. Countries upholding human rights standards typically have more open immigration policies and recognize immigrants as individuals with inherent human rights. The right to movement and migration is one of the fundamental principles in human rights that many nations incorporate into their immigration policies. Nevertheless, conflicts between national interests and security with human rights can sometimes lead to tensions, prompting governments to implement stricter policies (Bader, 2005: 338).
Customs-Based Immigration Policies:
Customs, as an integral part of a nation’s identity, significantly influence the development of immigration policies. Governments often strive to protect native norms and traditions to prevent the weakening of national identity. Immigrants with significant cultural differences from the host society may drive social and cultural changes, which can lead to social resistance. In shaping immigration policies, governments are generally more welcoming to immigrants who align with the host society’s customs and traditions, while those with greater cultural differences face more restrictions (Bauböck, 2001: 4).
Religion-Based Immigration Policies:
Religion is another influential factor in immigration policies, especially in religiously inclined countries. In nations where religion plays a central role in policymaking, immigrants whose beliefs align with the host country’s dominant religion are often prioritized. For example, Muslim countries may have different policies for Muslim versus non-Muslim immigrants. History has shown that religious differences have often been a significant driver of large-scale migrations around the world (Laliena, 2015: 117).
Conclusion
A country’s immigration policies are shaped by a combination of national interests and national values, with both factors simultaneously affecting governmental decisions regarding migration. On one side, national interests – considering factors such as security, economy, and social issues – push governments to adopt policies protecting the host country from the potential impacts of immigration. On the other side, national values, encompassing moral, cultural, and religious norms, play a critical role in determining how immigrants are treated and integrated into society. Accordingly, successful immigration policies strike a balance between these two elements, ensuring national interests are protected while respecting the national values of society. One-sided policies prioritizing only one of these aspects may lead to significant challenges.
Keywords: Immigration Policy, Immigration, National Interests, National Values and Immigrant-Friendly States.
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De Haas, H. (2021) A theory of migration: the aspirations-capabilities framework, Comparative migration studies, 9(1), 1-35.
Filipov, I. (2023) Understanding the Migration Experience: Theorizing the Concept, Sci. J. Cahul St. U. Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu, 1(1), 132-151.
Helbling, M., Bjerre, L., Römer, F., & Zobel, M. (2017) Measuring immigration policies: The IMPIC database, European Political Science, 16, 79-98.
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Lee, E. S. (1966) A theory of migration, Demography, 3, 47-57.
Masri, B., & Crotenco, I. (2020) The neo–realistic approach in modern economic immigration policy, Relaţii internaţionale, Plus, 17(1), 215-219.
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Safi, M. (2006) Le processus d’intégration des immigrés en France: inégalités et segmentation, Revue française de sociologie, 47(1), 3-48.
Simpson, J. and Weiner, E. (1989) The Oxford English Dictionary, A Clarendon Press Publication.
Torrecilla, E. R. (2002) Immigration et droits de l'homme: défis et perspectives, Université de Gironna, 1-33.
Turner, J., & Bailey, D. (2022) ‘Ecobordering’: casting immigration control as environmental protection, Environmental Politics, 31(1), 110-131.
Viprey, M. (2010) Immigration choisie, immigration subie: du discours à la réalité, La Revue de l'Ires, 64(1), 149-169.
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Wickramasinghe, A. A. I. N., & Wimalaratana, W. (2016) International migration and migration theories, Social Affairs, 1(5), 13-32.
Zogata-Kusz, A. (2012) Theoretical perspectives on immigration policy and politics, Contemporary European Studies, (01), 5-22.
