Selection Criteria

This chapter considers the selection criteria used by some countries as part of their immigration policies. It challenges the idea that even if states have the right to exclude all outsiders, it does not necessarily follow that they may screen applicants in any fashion they choose. To appreciate how problematic this issue is, the chapter examines the views of Michael Walzer, David Miller, Joseph Carens, and Michael Blake. It then attempts to explain the impermissibility of racist selection criteria by focusing how such a policy wrongs existing members. It also comments on the morality of actively recruiting immigrants, with reference to the practice of wealthy liberal democracies to court immigrants with specific skill sets that are particularly in demand. If a rich country continues to exclude the poor or recruit the skilled workers, this chapter argues that this state has a duty to provide adequate assistance via some other avenue.