Book Publication: “The Comparative Politics of Immigration: Policy Choices in Germany, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States”

 

 

 Antje Ellermann, Associate Professor of Political Science, Director of the IES and Founding Director of UBC’s Centre for Migration Studies, has an upcoming book entitled “The Comparative Politics of Immigration: Policy Choices in Germany, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States.”

Based on in-depth case studies of immigration politics in these four liberal democracies from the postwar era to the present, the book offers a new theory of immigration policy making grounded in the political insulation of policy makers.

Click here for more information and to pre-order the book.

 

 

 

Abstract    

 Many governments face similar pressures surrounding the hotly debated topic of immigration. Yet, the disparate ways in which policy makers respond is striking. The Comparative Politics of Immigration explains why democratic governments adopt the immigration policies they do. Through an in-depth study of immigration politics in Germany, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States, Antje Ellermann examines the development of immigration policy from the postwar era to the present. The book presents a new theory of immigration policymaking grounded in the political insulation of policy makers. Three types of insulation shape the translation of immigration preference into policy: popular insulation from demands of the unorganized public, interest group insulation from the claims of organized lobbies, and diplomatic insulation from the lobbying of immigrant-sending states. Addressing the nuances in immigration reforms, Ellermann analyzes both institutional factors and policy actors’ strategic decisions to account for cross-national and temporal variation.

1.       Introduction

2.       Theorizing immigration policy: veto points and the insulation logics of policy arenas

3.       The making of Swiss immigration policy: explaining permanent and temporary economic admission

4.       The making of German immigration policy: explaining permanent and temporary economic admissions

5.       5. The making of Canadian immigration policy: explaining economic and family admissions

6.       The making of U.S. immigration policy: explaining economic and family admissions

7.       Conclusion

 

Back cover reviews:

‘With a sophisticated research design and deep knowledge of immigration politics across a range of liberal democracies, Antje Ellermann offers us a powerful explanation of why countries open and close their borders over time. The Comparative Politics of Immigration will be an instant classic in the field and a touchstone for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of immigration policy.’

James F. Hollifield – Tower Center, SMU

 

‘I know of no book that more compellingly demonstrates the importance of political structures for explaining why some countries end up with liberal and others with restrictive immigration policies. Known for her brilliant previous book on deportations, Antje Ellermann is one of the leading political scientists studying immigration today.’

Christian Joppke – University of Bern

 

‘The Comparative Politics of Immigration is the most intellectually satisfying analysis of immigration politics and policymaking available. Antje Ellermann masterfully combines high level theorizing, meticulous empirical research, and careful comparison to help us understand why contemporary liberal-democratic states have pursued such differing immigration policies despite facing similar challenges. A seminal work by an outstanding scholar.’

Triadafilos Triadafilopoulos – University of Toronto