Freedom of Movement: the Typology of Arguments, Policies and Practices

Abstract

Modern discussions on freedom of movement date back to the late XIX - early XX century. According to Ludwig von Mises, state’s attitude to freedom of migration is inseparably linked with its relation to private property, freedom in the flow of goods and capital, as well as to the protection of human rights and property. Drawing on Mises’ approach, the paper identifies five main types of economic and migration policy: anarchy - liberalism - protectionism - dirigisme - totalitarianism. The author addresses arguments pro and contra freedom of movement from the standpoint of liberalism, protectionism and dirigisme, and shows that within one state the traits of various types of economic and migration policy can be mixed. At large, however, the “Mises rule” holds true today: the further the economy is from liberalism, the less freedom of movement there is in an immigration-attractive country. At the same time, efficient liberal migration policy requires consistent liberalism in the economy.