Immigration and Globalization: The Stakes of Open Borders in a Globalizing World

Everett C. Fulmer
Georgia State University

Title:
Immigration and Globalization: The Stakes of Open Borders in a Globalizing World

The arguments for absolute open borders across the globe generally appeal, in a libertarian fashion, to a human right to movement while arguing that there are no competing prudential concerns strong enough to trump that right. In this paper I will argue that globalization has substantially “raised the stakes” in the immigration debate. The possible consequences of open borders may be far more radical than anything within the category of ‘prudential concerns.’ Universally open borders in a globalizing world could threaten the very existence of a plurality of world states.