Libertarian perspectives on immigration

The current Libertarian Party (US) Platform states that Libertarians are prepared to welcome refugees, and the LP works against discriminatory policies. In addition it states that a free market requires the free movement of both capital and labor across borders. The platform does allow for control over the entry of people who pose a credible threat to security, health, or property. [1]

Older Libertarian Party (US) Platform stances were more pro-open borders. The 2004 Platform called for "the elimination of all restrictions on immigration, the abolition of the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Border Patrol, and a declaration of full amnesty for all people who have entered the country illegally". [2] Due to fears from the 2001 Terrorist attack, this was changed to permit some immigration controls.

Libertarian proponents of open borders

A number of present-day libertarians argue for open borders or for radically expanded and liberalized immigration drawing on primarily libertarian arguments.[3] These include George Mason University economist Bryan Caplan,[4][5][6][7] Michael Huemer[8][9] Donald Boudreaux, Alex Nowrasteh, Walter Block,[10][11] Ken Schoolland, Will Wilkinson, David R. Henderson[12][13] and others. Open Borders blogger John Lee argued, in a blog post critical of economist and Republican candidate Dave Brat, argued that support for open borders is a fundamental libertarian position.[14]

Opponents of mass immigration within the libertarian movement

Within recent times, some libertarians, especially paleolibertarians such as Lew Rockwell and Ron Paul, have voiced concerns pertaining to the "open borders" policy held by some libertarians. Hans-Hermann Hoppe has argued much in his writings about open borders being against anarcho-capitalist theory.[15]

The British-based Libertarian Alliance are prominent advocates of a restricted immigration policy within a libertarian society. [16]

On 12 January 2009 the Libertarian Party (UK) was criticized by No Border Network for having authoritarian and anti-libertarian policies on immigration, in particular the treatment of asylum seekers.[17]

Middle grounds

Libertarian-leaning George Mason University economist and Marginal Revolution blogger Tyler Cowen has often argued in favor of freer migration while also being critical of dogmatic moral arguments for radical open borders.[18] Other libertarians who have taken intermediate stances on open borders include monetary policy blogger and academic Scott Sumner.[19] Kelly Barber has argued that, although there might be good arguments for open borders, some libertarians have adopted the position in an overtly dogmatic fashion and have failed to address important criticisms.[20]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.lp.org/platform
  2. ↑ http://www.lpedia.org/2004_Libertarian_Party_Platform#Immigration
  3. ↑ "Pro-open borders people". Open Borders: The Case. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  4. ↑ Caplan, Bryan. "Caplan on Immigration". EconTalk (hosted by Russ Roberts).
  5. ↑ Caplan, Bryan (Winter 2012). "Why Should We Restrict Immigration?" (PDF). Cato Journal.
  6. ↑ Caplan, Bryan (2013-01-02). "My Path to Open Borders". Open Borders: The Case. Retrieved 2013-01-30.
  7. ↑ "Bryan Caplan". Open Borders: The Case. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  8. ↑ Huemer, Michael. "Is There A Right To Immigrate?". Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  9. ↑ Huemer, Michael (2013-02-18). "Citizenism and open borders". Open Borders: The Case. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  10. ↑ Block, Walter (1997). "A Libertarian Case for Free Immigration" (PDF). Journal of Libertarian Studies. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  11. ↑ "Walter Block". Open Borders: The Case. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  12. ↑ Henderson, David (June 2012). "Tear Down These Walls". The Freeman. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  13. ↑ "David Henderson". Open Borders: The Case. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  14. ↑ Lee, John (June 18, 2014). "Support for open borders is a fundamental tenet of libertarianism, and David Brat is not a libertarian". Open Borders: The Case. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  15. ↑ "Anarcho-capitalist counterfactual". Open Borders: The Case. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  16. ↑ http://www.libertarian.co.uk/?q=node/790
  17. ↑ http://noborderswales.wordpress.com/2009/01/12/libertarian-hmmmm/
  18. ↑ "Tyler Cowen". Open Borders: The Case. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  19. ↑ "Scott Sumner". Open Borders: The Case. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  20. ↑ Barber, Kelly (October 15, 2014). "No panaceas: Libertarian challenges to open borders". The Mitrailleuse. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
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