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

S. Vezzoli

    Research output: ThesisDoctoral ThesisInternal

    1210 Downloads (Pure)

    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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