On immigration and refugees

Book abstract:

In this book the author attempts to bring together philosophy and the politics of race to provide analysis of immigration and race issues. The book analyses how attitudes to immigration are deeply rooted in the history of racism in Britain and also gives an account of the situation in other countries of the European Union.

The book begins with a chapter that examines the principles that have governed post-war governments and media attitudes towards refugees and immigrants. This is followed by two chapters examining the duties of a state towards refugees and also to immigrants, and shows how government policies often conflict with the rights of refugees as laid down in the Geneva Convention. This is followed by analysis of the motivation and method of applying government policies which exclude immigrants. Chapter 5 provides analysis of issues surrounding the granting of citizenship and the state duties to citizens and non-citizens. The next two chapters analyse the history of racism in Britain and the evolution of British attitudes to immigration up to and beyond the Asylum and Immigration Act of 1999 designed to increase the deterrent to asylum seekers. The final chapter provides an overview of racism and immigration in other European countries.

Michael Dummett is Emeritus Professor of Logic at the University of Oxford. He has campaigned for the just treatment of immigrants and refugees for over 30 years.