Rethinking Asylum: History, Purpose, and Limits

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people apply for asylum in Europe, North America, and Australia. Some fear political persecution and genocide; some are escaping civil war or environmental catastrophe; others flee poverty, crime, or domestic violence. Who should qualify for asylum? Traditionally, asylum has been reserved for the targets of government persecution, but many believe that its scope should be widened to protect others exposed to serious harm. Matthew Price argues for retaining asylum's focus on persecution - even as other types of refugee aid are expanded - and offers a framework for deciding what constitutes persecution. Asylum, he argues, not only protects refugees but also expresses political values by condemning states for mistreating those refugees. Price's argument explains not only why asylum remains politically relevant and valuable, but also why states should dismantle many of the barriers they have erected against asylum seekers over the last fifteen years.

Author: Matthew E. Price
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 05/01/2009
Pages: 290
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 9.05h x 6.16w x 0.53d
ISBN: 9780521707473

Review Citation(s):
Choice 07/01/2010

About the Author
Price, Matthew E.: - Matthew E. Price holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Harvard University and a J. D. from Harvard Law School.