The Comparative Politics of Immigration
Policy Choices in Germany, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States

Ellermann examines the development of immigration policies in four democracies from the postwar era to the present.

Antje Ellermann (Author)

9781316601617, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 11 March 2021

240 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.6 cm, 0.671 kg

'One of the book's greatest strengths is the clarity with which Ellermann presents a wide range of policy options in her case studies. She provides a nuanced analysis of immigration politics and policymaking that moves beyond the traditional approaches of immigration policies. Her focus on the policy dynamics is sustained by compelling arguments for each country examined.' Ariane Chebel D'Appollonia, Political Science Quarterly

Many governments face similar pressures surrounding the hotly debated topic of immigration. Yet, the disparate ways in which policy makers respond is striking. The Comparative Politics of Immigration explains why democratic governments adopt the immigration policies they do. Through an in-depth study of immigration politics in Germany, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States, Antje Ellermann examines the development of immigration policy from the postwar era to the present. The book presents a new theory of immigration policymaking grounded in the political insulation of policy makers. Three types of insulation shape the translation of immigration preference into policy: popular insulation from demands of the unorganized public, interest group insulation from the claims of organized lobbies, and diplomatic insulation from the lobbying of immigrant-sending states. Addressing the nuances in immigration reforms, Ellermann analyzes both institutional factors and policy actors' strategic decisions to account for cross-national and temporal variation.

1. Introduction
2. Theorizing immigration policy: veto points and the insulation logics of policy arenas
3. The making of Swiss immigration policy: explaining permanent and temporary economic admissions
4. The making of German immigration policy: explaining permanent and temporary economic admissions
5. The making of Canadian immigration policy: explaining economic and family admissions
6. The making of U.S. immigration policy: explaining economic and family admissions
7. Conclusion

Subject Areas: Immigration law [LNDA1], Comparative law [LAM], Comparative politics [JPB], Migration, immigration & emigration [JFFN]