Publication

This paper describes how the "securitization" of migration may over-state the effectiveness with which states are able to link immigration policies with the defense of the national political community against external threats. The author explains that the examples of Italy under Berlusconi or UK policy since 11 September 2001 show that a "securitarian" rhetoric is sometimes still accompanied by liberal economic policies and regularization programs which may also undermine state legitimacy when a tough line on closed doors is difficult to deliver.