Many governments face similar pressures surrounding the hotly debated topic of immigration. Yet, the disparate ways in which policy makers respond is striking. The Comparative Politics of Immigration explains why democratic governments adopt the immigration policies they do. Through an in-depth study of immigration politics in Germany, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States, Antje Ellermann examines the development of immigration policy from the postwar era to the present. The book presents a new theory of immigration policymaking grounded in the political insulation of policy makers. Three types of insulation shape the translation of immigration preference into policy: popular insulation from demands of the unorganized public, interest group insulation from the claims of organized lobbies, and diplomatic insulation from the lobbying of immigrant-sending states. Addressing the nuances in immigration reforms, Ellermann analyzes both institutional factors and policy actors' strategic decisions to account for cross-national and temporal variation.

Co-Winner, 2022 Charles Levine Prize, International Political Science Association

'With a sophisticated research design and deep knowledge of immigration politics across a range of liberal democracies, Antje Ellermann offers us a powerful explanation of why countries open and close their borders over time. The Comparative Politics of Immigration will be an instant classic in the field and a touchstone for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of immigration policy.'

James F. Hollifield - Tower Center, SMU

'I know of no book that more compellingly demonstrates the importance of political structures for explaining why some countries end up with liberal and others with restrictive immigration policies. Known for her brilliant previous book on deportations, Antje Ellermann is one of the leading political scientists studying immigration today.'

Christian Joppke - University of Bern

'The Comparative Politics of Immigration is the most intellectually satisfying analysis of immigration politics and policymaking available. Antje Ellermann masterfully combines high level theorizing, meticulous empirical research, and careful comparison to help us understand why contemporary liberal-democratic states have pursued such differing immigration policies despite facing similar challenges. A seminal work by an outstanding scholar.'

Triadafilos Triadafilopoulos - University of Toronto

‘One of the book’s greatest strengths is the clarity with which Ellermann presents a wide range of policy options in her case studies. She provides a nuanced analysis of immigration politics and policymaking that moves beyond the traditional approaches of immigration policies. Her focus on the policy dynamics is sustained by compelling arguments for each country examined.’

Ariane Chebel D’Appollonia Source: Political Science Quarterly