The Political Challenge of Irregular Migration

Abstract

Millions of irregular immigrants live and circulate in receiving countries, often doing so for many years. They raise many challenges for political institutions, especially in states that claim to comply with democratic standards and to respect human rights. This causes deep dilemmas about the political treatment of unwanted immigrants. In this chapter we will discuss the political treatment of irregular immigrants once they have in some way settled in receiving developed countries, considering their access to (some) social services and their selective management by authorities and societies.