Justice, Migration, and Mercy

More about the book

Political controversy surrounding migration is increasingly urgent and heated, prompting critical questions for policy-making, public discourse, and philosophical perspectives on migration. Key issues include whether liberal states have the right to exclude unwanted outsiders and how to ethically approach refugee and asylum policies. The text provides a framework for understanding the political morality of migration, presenting a novel account of the right to exclude based on the fundamental right to avoid undesirable political relationships. It goes beyond mere justification of exclusion by exploring the limits of this right. The author challenges current global migration realities that favor open borders for a privileged few while closing them to the most marginalized groups. The analysis addresses specific justice issues in migration, including the legitimacy of travel bans and carrier sanctions. Moreover, it advocates for a vision that transcends liberal justice, emphasizing the type of community we aspire to create. A central theme is the moral notion of mercy, which is essential for analyzing migration. Ultimately, the work argues for incorporating mercy and justice into migration policy and public discourse, urging a more compassionate approach to these pressing issues.