Migration control in Germany and the United States

Both Germany and the United States make efforts to ensure that only those considered eligible by their laws immigrate. This article develops a framework for the systematic analysis of migration control and comparatively surveys German and U.S. efforts step by step. Most differences can be interpreted as the choice between conflicting policy objectives. In highlighting these choices, the article aims to increase sensitivity for gains or losses in other arenas due to certain migration control measures. Specifically, the trade-off between international economic integration, discrimination prevention, crime prevention and tax collection on the one hand are discussed with migration control discussed on the other hand.