Overview

The values of freedom and equality are at the heart of what it means for liberal states to do justice to their citizens. Yet, when it comes to the question of whether liberal states are capable of realizing the values of freedom and equality while controlling their borders, many philosophers are skeptical that liberalism and existing immigration arrangements can in fact be reconciled. After all, liberal states often deny entrance to prospective immigrants who are fleeing extreme forms of violence. They also often police their borders in ways that are discriminatory and stigmatizing, contributing to a situation where immigrants are treated as morally inferior by society at large. Such practices conflict strongly with any commitment to the values of freedom and equality. Luara Ferracioli here focuses on three key questions regarding the movement of persons across international borders: What gives some residents of a liberal society a right to be considered citizens of that society such that they have a claim to make decisions with regard to its political future? And do citizens of a liberal society have a prima facie right to exclude prospective immigrants despite their commitment to the values of freedom and equality? Finally, if citizens have this prima facie right to exclude prospective immigrants, are there moral requirements regarding how they may exercise it? The book therefore tackles the most pressing philosophical questions that arise from immigration: the questions of who can exercise self-determination, and why they have such a right in the first place.

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9780190056070

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Liberal Self-Determination in a World of Migration is a terrific book which compellingly demonstrates that the resources of analytical political philosophy can be combined with a deep humanism. This is an original contribution both to the philosophy of liberal citizenship and the ethics of migration, and along the way Ferracioli adds her distinctive voice to debates on citizenship for children, adults, refugees, family members, the brain drain, and unjust membership policies. * Margaret Moore, Professor of Political Studies, Queen's University Canada and author of Political Theory of Territory (OUP, 2017) * This is a thoughtful exploration of some of the puzzles and tensions that arise when we think about questions of citizenship, self-determination, and immigration from a liberal perspective. Ferracioli writes in a clear and engaging style. Her discussion is challenging and provocative. This is a rewarding read. * Joseph H. Carens, Professor of Political Science, University of Toronto *

Author Information

Luara Ferracioli is Senior Lecturer in Political Philosophy at the University of Sydney. She was awarded her PhD from the Australian National University in 2013, and has held appointments at the University of Oxford, Princeton University, and the University of Amsterdam. Her main areas of research are the ethics of immigration and family justice.

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