The Management of Immigration in Federal Systems

This chapter provides an exploration into the intricate relationship between federalism and immigration, focusing on the evolving field of "immigration federalism". It shows how in federal states immigration management involves multiple levels of government, leading to diverse models, policies, and intergovernmental dynamics. Initially dominated by U.S. legal experts, the literature on immigration federalism has expanded, encompassing legal, multi-level, and contextual perspectives. The chapter underscores the pivotal role of federated entities in immigration governance, highlighting the potential federalization of immigration. Through comparative case studies of Belgium, Canada, and Australia, it delves into the distribution of powers, subnational immigration policies, and the lessons learned about immigration federalism's complexities and tensions. This approach sheds light on the nuances of immigration governance within federal systems.