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Populist claims that immigration is chaotic, unlawful, and unfair are increasingly resonating even within societies whose members generally believe some level of immigration is needed to maintain economic competitiveness. This shift, which has pushed governments of all stripes toward greater restrictions and reduced the appetite for experimentation, comes at a particularly fraught time.
Advanced economies with aging populations are increasingly reliant on immigrants to sustain their workforces, but concerns about how population growth could affect the soaring cost of living and public infrastructure have caused support for even legal immigration to wane. Meanwhile, a perception of a loss of control over borders and immigrant admissions has prompted quick fixes, at the expense of longer-term, sustainable solutions.
This Transatlantic Council on Migration issue brief explores the factors behind this breakdown in immigration governance and lays out strategies for reform, drawing lessons from a range of countries. In particular, it makes the case that regular, long-term planning—while a tall order when governments are grappling with short-term pressures—will be essential if countries are to successfully navigate emerging demographic and economic challenges.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Breaking Points and Circling Sharks: Why Migration Governance Is Broken
A. Visible Disorder Creates a Short-Term Bias
B. Managing Immigration Effectively Requires Deeper Policy Coordination
C. Regions Have Different Needs and Feel Immigration’s Costs and Benefits Unevenly
D. The Long Arc of Immigration Policy Is Poorly Served by Short Electoral Cycles
3 Finding Wiggle Room to Forge a Long-Term Strategy
A. Prioritizing Managed Migration and Control
B. Developing More Transparent and Predictable Immigration Planning
C. Improving Whole-of-Government Coordination Beyond Crisis
D. Planning for Regional Variation and Explaining Trade-Offs
4 Conclusion: The Case for Future Planning