Immigration and asylum law and policy of the European Union

Book abstract:

The harmonisation of the different European legal systems has reached the field of asylum and immigration policy. The Maastricht Treaty has established the basis for a common migration policy. Numerous resolutions, recommendations, joint positions, and actions were adopted by the EU council based on the 'third pillar' in the Maastricht Treaty. Within the 'first pillar' the European Community has enacted regulations on visa policy based on Art. 100c EC - Treaty. Additionally, several agreements with third countries on immigration issues were set into force. Immigration and Asylum Law and Policy of the European Union describes comprehensively the present state of the harmonisation process in the European Union concerning migration policy. Particular emphasis is laid on the legal status of third-country nationals with regard to entry and residence. Furthermore, the gaps within EU regulations are evaluated in an attempt to search for a homogeneous European migration policy.

The sections are: A. Immigration into the European Union; B. Immigration, visa and asylum policy in an area of freedom, security and justice: Title IV of the Treaty establishing the European Community and the Communitarization of the Schengen Acquis; C. Immigration law - entry and sojourn; D. Social Rights of third-country nationals; E. Refugees and asylum seekers; F. Termination of residence, expulsion, deportation and return. These are followed by a bibliography, table of legislation and preparatory Acts, a table of cases and a table of abbreviations.

Kay Hailbronner is from the Center for International and European Law on Immigration and Asylum, Universität Konstanz, Germany.