Immigration in the E.U. and the U.K.: A Conflict of Interests and Policy

Authors

Beth Coleman, Berea College

Abstract

Though contemporary society is becoming increasingly globalized, most of the developed world is looking towards immigration policies aimed at keeping other people and cultures out. This unfortunate trend is creating a society of protective multiculturalism-where one culture or state borrows desirable and beneficial characteristics and ideas from another culture, while isolating and at times even condemning that same group. Though the issue of border security remains a hotly debated topic in the United States, Europe is looking towards an era of border-free movement and renewed labor resources. However there are some major European powers, such as the United Kingdom, that believe this doctrine holds potential security and socioeconomic threats that must be curtailed. By introducing a graduated point-based system of immigration, the British parliament hopes to control immigration within the region; but at great potential cost to agreements and alliances within the EU. This paper explores those impacts, and the potential consequences of this new policy through the lens of human rights and external relations policy in the European Union.

Recommended Citation

Coleman, Beth (2013) "Immigration in the E.U. and the U.K.: A Conflict of Interests and Policy," Commonwealth Review of Political Science: Vol. 1: No. 1, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61611/2994-0044.1006
Available at: https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/crps/vol1/iss1/5