Migration as economic imperialism

Political science and theory offer critical tools for deciphering the complexities of our reality. The ideas that emerge from the capitalist-imperialist system about migrant workers hold that migration benefits the global economy and that the remittances sent back home help develop the countries of origin. However, in his book “Migration as Economic Imperialism,” Immanuel Ness challenges these notions. Drawing on the tradition of Marxist political theory, Ness demonstrates that remittances do not necessarily improve the standard of living in the countries of origin and may contribute to economic imbalances and higher levels of crime and violence.

Ness argues that the phenomenon of migration is best interpreted through the prism of imperialism. He contends that migration inadvertently perpetuates the impoverishment of underdeveloped nations. This is because it serves the imperialist economies by supplying them with an inexpensive workforce ripe for exploitation, while simultaneously engendering unstable circumstances for the migrant labourers.

Ness’s critique of the current global labour migration system challenges the dominant narrative of neoliberal migration proponents and contests the capitalist development model. It suggests that poor countries in the Global South must consider alternative forms of economic policy to sustain their populations and deliver sustainable development. The book provides case studies of migrant workers and examines the extractive nature of training programs in sending and receiving states. It highlights the highly profitable nature of economic remittances for banks and emphasizes the need to regulate these fees to ensure that migrants can fully benefit from their earnings (pg 67-69).

For those seeking to unravel the intricacies of labour migration within the context of neoliberal capitalism, Ness’s book is an essential read. It offers profound insights that are particularly beneficial for lawyers, policymakers, and advocates in the migration and labour rights sector. The book advocates for a global labour mobility system that is both fair and respectful, aiming to alleviate discrimination and eliminate burdensome constraints for migrant workers.

Migration as economic imperialism  Immanuel Ness  2023, Book , 253 pages     ISBN: 1509553983, 1509553991, 9781509553983, 9781509553990