What is it about?
Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, US immigration and refugee policies have been developed, debated, and evaluated through the lens of national security, a trend that has accelerated in recent years. Of course, there is a nexus between migration and security, and refugee and immigrant admissions programs need to be secure. However, these policies serve many other needs, interests and responsibilities as well. This paper examines post-9/11 US policy developments based on their impact on migrant rights, the core interests they serve, and their efficacy as security measures. It argues for a more honest, nuanced and rigorous use of "national security" in crafting and promoting refugee and immigration policy.
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Why is it important?
It undermines the nation's security to treat refugee and immigration policies as solely or mostly national security imperatives, and it does not serve its interests to ignore the underlying interests and needs -- apart from security -- that are served by these policies.
Perspectives
This paper explores the need for robust, rights-respecting refugee and immigration admissions programs that serve the nation's interests and reflect its core values, but that are also secure.
Mr Donald Kerwin
University of Notre Dame
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Use and Misuse of ‘National Security’ Rationale in Crafting U.S. Refugee and Immigration Policies, International Journal of Refugee Law, December 2005, Oxford University Press (OUP),
DOI: 10.1093/ijrl/eei030.
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