Migration as a Political Phenomenon
Immigration linked inherently to state dynamics.
Sayad’s assertion: "To think of immigration is to think of the state."
Migration implies residency, creating state control challenges.
State Concerns with Migration
Large-scale migrations seen as threats to sovereignty and elite privileges.
Historical fears of rural-to-urban migration (19th century) still resonate in developing countries.
Policies often aim to control or prevent internal migrations.
Historical Concerns in Early Industrial Societies
Concerns about poverty, crime, and social changes due to rural exodus.
Development programs aimed at maintaining rural populations.
Modern Responses to Migration
Examples of controlling policies: China's hukou system.
Hostility towards nomadic groups (e.g., Romani, Tuareg) perceived as difficult to control.
Implementation of ‘villagization’ policies (e.g., Ethiopia).
Shift from Emigration to Immigration Control
States historically focused on preventing emigration to maintain a tax base.
The idea that national populations should remain intact for strategic purposes (e.g., military).
The exit revolution: gradual relinquishment of emigration control.
Modern Societal Responses
Industrialized societies redirect fears towards international immigration.
Citizenship privileges create divisions between citizens and non-citizens.
Violent Population Movements
Significant migrations linked to nation-state formations post-World War I, India-Pakistan partition, among others.
New nation-states often exclude certain ethnic groups, creating forced migrations.
Restrictive Immigration Policies
Rooted in nationalism and anti-colonial sentiments, particularly in African and Asian contexts.
The Nature of Control
States focus on surveillance of population movements rather than outright prevention of migration.
The paradox of movement: controlled yet perceived as free.
The Emergence of Diaspora Connection Policies
Engagement with diaspora populations for economic and political ties.
Examples include Italy’s emphasis on protecting citizens abroad, and India’s outreach to its diaspora.
The Complex Relationship Between States and Migrants
Conflicts often arise between states due to migration patterns affecting sovereignty.
Migrants in authoritarian states are less likely to participate in politics.
Diplomatic Representation and Migrant Rights
States actively defend the interests of their citizens abroad, although effectiveness can vary.
Origin countries sometimes collaborate with destination states to suppress migrant activism.
Migrant Mobilization and Organization
Organized labor has influenced labor rights and reforms (e.g., Qatar).
Expatriate Voting Rights
Policies around expatriate voting can create tensions regarding national loyalty.
Origin states’ efforts to engage their emigrants politically can conflict with host countries’ integration agendas.
Linking Migration to Security Issues
Migrants framed as threats to national identity, leading to increased xenophobia and social unrest.
Historical and ongoing xenophobic sentiments illustrate this dynamic.
Post-Cold War Securitization
Evolution of nativist sentiments catalyzed by terrorist acts leads to anti-immigrant policies.
Political narratives surrounding migration mobilized to gain electoral capital and spotlight internal and external threats.
The interplay of migration and politics illustrates the consistent tension between state control and individual rights.
Social and economic challenges associated with migration need contextual understanding, rather than scapegoating migrants.
Shifts in public attitudes and rights often have profound implications for domestic policy and international relations.
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