Refugees

Abstract

Abstract This chapter examines the impact of states’ sovereign power to restrict movement of refugees across borders from a republican perspective that understands freedom as non-domination. It argues that freedom of movement across borders should be recognized as a very significant liberty, and that its protection is essential to living as a free person. It examines the current powers of states to interfere with the travels of refugees, and how these powers are not checked to protect the rights of refugees. It concludes that refugees are dominated by any state that enforces border controls designed to stop them from travelling to its territory. This is true even if we grant that states are particularistic agents with a primary responsibility to protect the interests of their own citizens and residents, and that there are important international norms that help advocate for and protect the rights of refugees.