The migration debate

A contribution to one of the most hotly contested issues in Europe, The migration debate provides a well-balanced, critical analysis of UK migration policies, in a European context, from entry controls through to integration and citizenship. Exploring the pressures and constraints that have shaped a rapidly shifting policy terrain, this accessible overview offers a considered assessment of policy options to provide the foundation for a less polarised, better-informed public debate. Unusual in its coverage of immigration for work, study, family and protection, and in its insistence that an understanding of integration processes must be considered alongside analysis of entry controls, The migration debate will be of equal value to policy makers as to a multi-disciplinary academic readership.

Reviews of The migration debate

""Sarah Spencer is the leading expert on developments in immigration policy in the UK over the last two decades. Her new book will set the standard for thinking on how and why policy has changed and the options for a more informed migration regime in the future."" Will Somerville, Migration Policy Institute ""Sarah Spencer, a pre-eminent analyst and observer of UK immigration, has written another well-reasoned, dispassionate, carefully documented and, above all, thoughtful, analysis and critique of recent and current immigration policy and political debates. The choice of topics, relative brevity, and clear prose make this a must-read publication on this politically difficult topic."" Demetrios G. Papademetriou, President, Migration Policy Institute""While migration is a topic that can generate more heat than light, this book provides an indispensable guide to the key issues that shape debates about migration. The range, depth and clarity of the analysis make this book a must-read for anyone interested in this important subject."" Andrew Geddes, University of Sheffield ""A valuable additon to the growing literature on (post)modern day migration."" International Migration and Integration ""Sarah Spencer's The Migration Debate provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of these developments. Spencer knowsUKmigration policies inside out, and it shows."" James Hampshire Ethnic and Racial Studies ""This is a daring book. At a time when public debate is mired in ignorance and extremism, Sarah Spencer offers her readers a rational and comprehensive survey of policy and its effects. Sober, realistic and intelligent."" Trevor Phillips, Equality and Human Rights Commission""Spencer provides a masterly overview of debates on UK immigration, in the process dispelling a host of common misconceptions about migration trends and policies. The book will be essential reading for anyone keen to cut through the confusing and often misleading arguments bandied around in current policy debates."" Christina Boswell, University of Edinburgh""Sarah Spencer's deep knowledge of migration policy in Europe is the result of working closely with policy makers and practitioners over many years. Her insightful and well-balanced analysis of past and current migration debates mean that this is a 'must-read' for anyone with an interest in the complexities of migration policy making and in understanding both the immediate and longer terms implications ofimmigration."" Heaven Crawley, Swansea University