What is it about?
This is the lead article in special edition devoted to a vision and a theory of international migration that recognizes the dignity and agency of migrants, and the responsibility of states to create conditions that would allow their residents to remain and prosper in their home communities, to safeguard forced migrants in transit, and to allow their resident to return home. This framework recognizes the right of migrants to make these decisions, however poor their choices might be.
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Why is it important?
This framework offers a stark alternative to the exclusionary, state-centered policies regarding forced migrants that are on the rise in the world at a time of record displacement.
Perspectives
Pope Francis was that great champion in the public and religious sphere of the dignity and agency of forced migrants and other marginalized persons. He spoke regularly of the "right" or "freedom" to migrate (if necessary) and also to stay at home. He believed these consequential decisions -- staying, migrating, returning -- should be "voluntary", not coerced as they mostly are today.
Mr Donald Kerwin
University of Notre Dame
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Right to Stay, Migrate and Return: Conceptualizing Freedom, Examining Diverse National Contexts and Exploring Policy Implications, Journal on Migration and Human Security, March 2025, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/23315024251316473.
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Contributors
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