POL41710 The Ethics of Immigration and Citizenship

Academic Year 2016/2017

This is a seminar-based module addressing normative issues about immigration and access to citizenship. For example, what are, or should be, the grounds on which citizenship is acquired and lost? On what basis, if at all, should states be able to exclude, or to select among, would be-immigrants? To what extent is it justified for states to treat resident non-citiizens differently from citizens? What conditions can be required of immigrants in order to become citizens?

We examine a range of approaches and arguments developed with respect to these issues in contemporary political theory. Topics for consideration will include: borders and free movement; justice with respect to permanent migrants, temporary workers, refugees and asylum seekers; family migration; and citizenship acquired by birthright and by naturalization. The discussion will combine a normative theoretical perspective with considerable reference to comparative empirical applications. The seminars will be organised largely on the basis of student-led presentations and discussion. Students will be expected to attend all classes, to have read and responded to the designated texts in advance each week, and to participate in the discussions.