DOI
10.1177/1755088214539
Abstract
Several political theorists argue that states have rights to self-determination and these rights justify immigration restrictions. Call this: the self-determination argument for immigration restrictions. In this article, I develop an objection to the self-determination argument. I argue that if it is morally permissible for states to restrict immigration because they have rights to self-determination, then it can also be morally permissible for states to deport and denationalize their own citizens. We can either accept that it is permissible for states to deport and denationalize their own citizens or reject the self-determination argument. To avoid this implication, we should reject the self-determination argument. That is, we should also reject the conclusion that rights to self-determination can justify any significant immigration restrictions.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2014
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2014, Sage Journals.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1755088214539414
The definitive version is available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1755088214539414
Recommended Citation
Hidalgo, J. (2014). Self-determination, immigration restrictions, and the problem of compatriot deportation. Journal of International Political Theory, 10(3), 261-282. https://doi.org/10.1177/1755088214539414
Included in
Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, International and Area Studies Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Political Science Commons
