Negotiating Europe’s immigration frontiers

Book abstract:

This book examines immigration into the European Union over the last 50 years, in particular changes in immigration movements and its regulation under EU law. In addition to providing an historical perspective the book provides projections arising from the enlargement of the EU towards Central and Eastern Europe. The main focus of the book's examination of immigration policy are the effects of restrictive policies on third country nationals from racial and ethnic groups with particular attention on the effects to women. Analysis is provided of the fact that women are not only subject to racial discrimination but also to gender discrimination.

The book is divided into four parts. The first part provides an introduction to the topic, identifying three main periods in migratory movements and their regulation in Europe, that have been influenced by economic, security and race factors. Race factors are shown to have grown in importance in influencing EU immigration policy since 1989. Part 2 provides analysis of EU regulations relating to third country nationals already settled within the EU. Evidence is provided of the divergence of immigration rules for third country nationals and EC migrants and that the rules are often both racist and sexist. It is shown that recent pressure on the EC, especially from the European Parliament has committed Member States towards adopting a more liberal attitude to immigration policy. The third part analyses immigration policy towards third country nationals seeking admission to EU countries from outside the EU. It is shown that a restrictive approach has been adopted. Immigration rules restrict both the quantity and quality of new arrivals, with those from Black countries particularly discriminated against. The final part examines EU policing and expulsion measures. It is shown that the controls in force often discriminate against racial and ethnic minority groups and women.

The book is suited to the academic community. Dr B Melis has been widely published in Europe and works at the London School of Economics.