Privileging the near and dear?

Abstract

Many studies have analysed the relation between the self understandings of citizenship or identity of western states on the one hand and national integration and immigration policies on the other. As migration regulation in recent years has shifted to a considerable extent to the European level, it seems appropriate to address issues of migration and identity also in that context. The central question of this article is whether European Union (EU) immigration policies that privilege people from some countries over others — because of special cultural, ethnic or historical ties — can be justified. Criteria for evaluation are developed and the EU visa regulations are put to the test.