What Is Immigration Policy For? - (What Is It For?) by Madeleine Sumption (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A deeply researched look at the debate around immigration policy, and possible paths forward.

Does political rhetoric on immigration policy match what is actually happening on the ground? Why do well-intentioned plans fail? Could immigration policy be done better?

This book explores what immigration policy seeks to achieve and why so many people end up unhappy with the outcome. Drawing on decades of research and examples from high-income countries around the world, it exposes the unavoidable trade-offs governments face, and the impacts of their choices on people and communities.

It reveals how we got here, why the policy challenge is so difficult, and how we get to a better place.

Review Quotes

"Brilliant. The most authoritative, calm and comprehensive account of a the most contentious issue in the western world. There is no better guide than Sumption through the arguments to the reality." Trevor Phillips, columnist and presenter

"No one truly interested in this most contested area of public life can afford to miss What Is Immigration Policy For? Whenever I want to know what is really happening with migration - if I need to know the truth rather than the partisan outpourings of populists or the frightened formulations of politicians - Madeleine Sumption's work is where I head. If only everyone else did. If only they would all read this excellent book." David Aaronovitch, journalist and author

"No topic is hotter or more divisive than immigration. Thankfully, we have the coolest head in the business sharing her accumulated wisdom with us here." Sir Anthony Seldon, historian, author and educator

"Brilliant, scrupulous and myth-busting - Sumption forensically describes, explains and analyses the claims made by all sides in the immigration debate." Mark Damazer, former controller of BBC Radio 4

"If you read one book on migration policy, make it this one. Your reliable guide through one of the most difficult challenges facing our societies." Alan Manning, London School of Economics and Political Science

"A clear and balanced discussion of the complex evidence and difficult trade-offs any government has to wrestle with on immigration. Required reading for anyone trying to navigate the polarised arguments on this most contentious of issues." Robert Ford, University of Manchester and UK in A Changing Europe

"In an area where independence, reputation and scrupulously presented evidence are all, this is a hugely important book." David Neal, former Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration

"This clear and straightforward guide illuminates for everyone the treacherous political swamp of immigration policy." Charles Clarke, former Home Secretary

"Finally, a clear-eyed and rigorous look at the most salient -- and yet most superficially understood -- issue of our time. Madeleine Sumption cuts through the political noise to expose the real-world trade-offs faced by those on the front line of immigration policy. She highlights the core dilemma at the heart of the debate: the need to balance economic constraints and global duties against the domestic democratic imperative. For those who believe in a "fair and controlled" system that puts the national interest first without surrendering our ancient reverence for rule of law or basic human instinct to treat migrants with compassion and dignity, this essential book is a welcome dose of realism that moves beyond emotion and ideology." Sherelle Jacobs, Daily Telegraph columnist

About the Author

Madeleine Sumption is the Director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, which provides impartial analysis of migration in the UK. Since 2016, she has been a member of the Migration Advisory Committee, an independent panel that advises the UK Government on migration. She also chairs the National Statistician's advisory panel on migration statistics. Madeleine has a PhD in Public Policy from the University of Maastricht. In 2017, she received an MBE for services to social science.