Family Migration Schemes and Liberal Neutrality

Abstract

This chapter argues that the privileging of romantic and familial ties by those who believe in the liberal state’s prima facie right to exclude prospective immigrants cannot be justified. The reasons that count in favor of these relationships count equally in favor of a great array of relationships, from friends to creative collaborators, and whatever else falls in between. The result of the discussion is that liberal states must either focus on the interests of children only or the interests of all citizens who would like to be reunited with a person they enjoy a valuable and irreplaceable relationship.