Search Results

This chapter explores the transition in the dominant policies and practices that have impelled the momentum in international migration as a defining feature of globalization. It begins with a brief survey of current policy priorities, before considering some dominant theories of migration. The securitization of national borders by many OECD governments has enabled the restriction of rights to migrate and privileged certain groups of migrants over others. Labour migration has come to be privileged over other forms of migration, but often involves temporary work visas and significant vulnerability for migrant workers. The global movement to protect migrants' labour rights has had generally limited impact, but with some notable successes and continued momentum. Ultimately, migration continues to be politically and socially contentious in many parts of the world, adding to the vulnerability of many migrant workers.

This chapter explores the impact of international migration on the political economy of contemporary Europe. It details the definitional issues, scale, and types of migration flows to Europe. The EU and its Member States shape the political economy of migration both externally and internally as well as the causes and effects of a key dynamic in the European political economy (EPE) of migration. The chapter examines the notions of the selectivity of migration policies and the militarization of borders. Additionally, politics and policymaking are driven by two powerful trends: the heightened politicization of migration in the EU and the trend towards greater selectivity in migration policies.