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

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.