Toward a Theory of Immigration

Changes in the global political order and developments in liberal political philosophy have called into question the state's traditional right to regulate immigration according to its national identity. Meilaender offers a strong defense of that right, arguing that states may legitimately exercise wide discretion in crafting immigration policies that reflect their own particular visions of political community. The concrete issue of immigration serves as a lens through which to focus on abiding dilemmas of politics and culture that lie at the heart of political philosophy.