New approaches to security issues : the case of migration : case study : federal vs. nation-state approach

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to look at the way migration, as a new security issue, has been addressed by nation-states in Western Europe and in Canada, and what trend these immigration policies are taking. As more migrants move from one state to another and as governments come to recognize the need of migrant work, immigration policies have to be updated and become more practical. The move towards a more liberal approach is an inevitable course. As more borders are eroded and globalization continues to spread, Europe will need to adopt their policies to a changing international environment. Already, proactive immigration polices exist in countries such as Canada which has a traditional immigrant society and has implemented an immigration policy that has developed the country into an economic powerhouse. Throughout this dissertation an analytical and descriptive approach is taken on what trend immigration policies will follow. The federal approach is superior to the nation-state approach in dealing with new security issues such as immigration. As Europe moves towards a federal entity, the nation-states will consequently share their power with the supranational structures in place. This will in tum create a more suitable and appropriate immigration policy. The European Union has had major effects on the nature of the immigration control framework and in the future will continue to integrate immigrant policies of its member states under a federal model.