This article takes a critical look at the question of whether hard international boundaries that prevent migration can be justified from an ethical standpoint, or whether these hard boundaries represent a violation of human rights. The question is first addressed from a theoretical perspective, drawing on theories of justice and of boundaries. The article then examines policy decisions and the experiences of undocumented immigrants to support the contention that hardened boundaries and tightened immigration policies create flawed institutions that result in the violation of human rights. It concludes that these policies and institutions are not ethically defensible. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

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immigration policy critical analysis immigrant population migrants experience political boundary human rights social theory