Borders, independence and post-colonial ties : the role of the state in Caribbean migration

S. Vezzoli

Research output: ThesisDoctoral ThesisInternal

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Abstract

Public debates on migration periodically incite calls for increased border controls to exclude the entry of ‘undesirable’ immigrants. This study examines the short- and long-term migration effects of the establishment of border regimes and independence in the Caribbean region, with a focus on Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Covering the period between the 1950s to the 2010s, this study shows that border regimes and independence lead to unintended strong, albeit temporary, emigration hikes, while such peaks do not appear in the absence of migration restrictions. In the long term, closed borders do not reduce emigration, while open borders do not necessarily lead to very large migration, but more often to higher (circular) mobility, including short-term visits and return flows. Furthermore, this study shows how states, particularly in origin countries, influence migration in indirect ways through various policies.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • Maastricht University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • de Haas, H., Supervisor, External person
  • Siegel, Melissa, Supervisor
Award date20 Nov 2015
Place of PublicationMaastricht
Publisher
Print ISBNs9789086663859
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Keywords

  • migration
  • border regimes
  • independence
  • post-colonial ties
  • Caribbean region

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