Immigration and liberal freedom

Liberals generally believe that people should be free and that all have an equal claim to freedom. The problem, both philosophically and politically, is to figure out (1) how freedom is to be understood and secured, (2) what treating people equally requires, and (3) who counts as the people to be considered. The question of immigration brings the last of these problems to the fore, and in so doing reveals the extent to which the issues of freedom and equality cannot be addressed without asking: whose freedom and equality of whom? This chapter explores the tension within liberal thinking. Its main purpose is to elucidate the nature of the dilemma liberals face, given the tradeoffs involved. It will, however, also advance reasons for thinking that a more open attitude to immigration is consistent with a better version of liberalism.

Find the full book chapter here.