Immigration as a Democratic Challenge: Citizenship and Inclusion in Germany and the United States - Softcover

Rubio-Marín, Ruth

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521777704 ISBN 13: 9780521777704

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2000

Synopsis

Immigration raises a number of important moral issues regarding access to the rights and privileges of citizenship. At present, immigrants to most Western democracies do not enjoy the same rights as citizens, and must satisfy a range of conditions before achieving citizenship. In this book, Ruth Rubio-Marín argues that this approach is unjust and undemocratic, and that more inclusive policies are required. In particular, she argues that liberal norms of justice and democracy require that there should be a time threshold after which immigrants (legal and illegal) should either be granted the full rights of citizenship, or should be awarded nationality automatically, without any conditions or tests. The author contrasts her position with the constitutional practice of two countries with rich immigration traditions: Germany and the United States. She concludes that judicial interpretations of both constitutions have recognised the claim for inclusion of resident aliens, but have also limited that claim.

About this title

Product Description

Immigration as a Democratic Challenge Examining Germany and the United States, this book argues that immigration policy in Western democracies is unjust and undemocratic. Full description

Review

"Among this volume's many strengths are the author's versatility in moving among political, moral and legal debates, and her capable criticisms of some of the leading theorists in the field." International Migration Review

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521777704
• ISBN 13: 9780521777704
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 280