Question 1

In response to the worry that the freedom of association could justify immigration policies that exclude entry to members of a given race, Wellman claims that

Accepted Answer

Wellman argues that using the freedom of association to justify excluding members of a certain race from immigrating would disrespect existing citizens who belong to that race, as they would be treated as second-class citizens in their own country. Therefore, this policy is not justifiable.

Question 2

In his objection to "the second prong of the libertarian case for open borders," Wellman responds to the objection that he is essentially denying that we have a right to freedom of movement. Which of the following is part of his response?

Accepted Answer

Wellman argues that some rights are not absolute and that restrictions can be placed on them in certain circumstances. For example, the right to marriage does not allow a person to forcibly marry an unwilling partner. Similarly, the right to freedom of movement does not necessarily mean that a person has an unlimited right to immigrate without any restrictions. Therefore, he is not denying the right to freedom of movement but rather arguing that it is not an absolute right.

Question 3

A central premise of Wellman's argument is that the state's right to freedom of association implies a right to _____ prospective members:

Accepted Answer

Wellman argues that the state's right to freedom of association implies a right to exclude prospective members, as part of the state's autonomy to determine its own composition and goals. This right to exclude is seen as essential to the state's ability to perform its functions and pursue its interests.

Question 4

Sarah Fine's "internal critique" of Wellman's argument targets his claim that

Accepted Answer

The answer of Sarah Fine's "internal critique" of Wellman's argument...

Question 5

Fine asks us to consider an example in which a private club "regularly arranges noisy late-night gatherings" to show that

Accepted Answer

The example given highlights how the actions of a group (the private club) can affect members outside that group (neighbors disturbed by the late-night gatherings). This illustrates the concept of externalities, where the actions of one party have effects on others who are not involved in the activity. The example does not address the issue of whether private clubs can exclude outsiders or the difference between an individual's and a group's freedom of association.

Question 6

From the fact that emigration is often associated with significant costs, Fine concludes that

Accepted Answer

The statement in the question implies that emigration is not an easy decision to make and often comes with significant costs. Therefore, those who decide to leave their state must have substantial interests in living in another state (Option A). Additionally, preventing potential immigrants from settling in a different state can be detrimental to their well-being (Option B). Finally, the statement also implies that closing borders can have significant costs to potential immigrants (Option C). Therefore, all of the above options are correct, making Option D the best choice.

Question 7

Suppose Wellman argued that just as you have a right not to marry someone who would be harmed by your refusal, a state is free to exclude others even if it causes harm to them. Fine would respond by saying that

Accepted Answer

Fine would argue that the liberal state cannot claim to be primarily an intimate or expressive association because it has a responsibility to protect the rights and interests of all individuals within its jurisdiction, not just those who are members of the state or who have chosen to consent to its laws and policies. This argument is a direct rebuttal to Wellman's claim that a state is free to exclude others even if it causes harm to them.

Question 8

Fine argues that states are not clubs because

Accepted Answer

Fine argues that states are not clubs because both reasons are valid: it's not feasible for immigrants to form their own state, and exclusion from a club doesn't have severe life impacts.

Question 9

Wellman's response to the "egalitarian" objection to the state's right to exclude is that states can fulfill their duties to outsiders without allowing them into their territory. Fine thinks Wellman's response is insufficient because

Accepted Answer

Fine argues that even if the state is fulfilling its duties to outsiders, excluding people who wish to pursue interests specific to that state can still be potentially harmful. Therefore, Wellman's response is insufficient.

Question 10

Fine asks us to consider the example of a yoga group that practices in Central Park and is free to reject prospective members but isn't free to exclude others from making use of Central Park. The point of this example is to show that

Accepted Answer

Fine's example brings up the distinction between rules of membership, which the yoga group can use to choose who can join their group, and rules about settlement within a physical territory, which Central Park belongs to the public and cannot be closed off to certain individuals or groups. This demonstrates that there is a difference between group membership and territorial rights.

Question 11

Stephen Macedo concludes that all borders should be "open" borders.

Accepted Answer

Stephen Macedo does not advocate for completely open borders; he supports regulated immigration policies that balance openness with national interests and social justice.

Question 12

According to Macedo, states only have obligations towards their own citizens.

Accepted Answer

Macedo argues that states have obligations not only towards their own citizens but also towards individuals outside their borders, particularly those in vulnerable situations such as refugees and stateless persons.

Question 13

Macedo argues that immigration policies in the United States have no economic impact.

Accepted Answer

Macedo argues that immigration policies in the United States do have economic impact.

Question 14

Macedo accepts that high levels of immigration by poor and low-skilled workers may worsen the standing of poorer American citizens.

Accepted Answer

Macedo acknowledges that high levels of immigration by poor and low-skilled workers may lead to a decline in wages and job opportunities for low-skilled American citizens.

Question 15

According to Macedo, an immigration policy is not morally acceptable unless its effect on the distribution of goods is defensible from the standpoint of the least well-off Americans.

Accepted Answer

Macedo argues that an immigration policy must be morally justifiable based on how it impacts the least advantaged members of society, and thus its effect on the distribution of goods must be defensible from this perspective.

Question 16

Joseph Carens argues that there is a presumption against free migration (i.e., free migration is unjust unless showed to be otherwise).

Accepted Answer

Joseph Carens argues for open borders and believes that free migration should be the default position, challenging the presumption against it.

Question 17

Carens maintains that freedom of movement is essential for equality of opportunity.

Accepted Answer

Carens argues that the ability to move freely, whether it be within one's own country or across international borders, is necessary for individuals to have equal access to opportunities and resources. Without freedom of movement, individuals may be confined to certain areas or countries with limited possibilities for advancement and success.

Question 18

According to Carens, if you take seriously the freedom and equality of all individuals, then you should deny all freedom of movement across state borders.

Accepted Answer

Carens argues that if one takes seriously the freedom and equality of all individuals, then it is necessary to extend basic civil and political rights to non-citizens, including the right to move across state borders.

Question 19

Carens holds that one can be a member of a society without having the formal status of a state's citizen.

Accepted Answer

Carens argues that citizenship is not the only way to be a member of a society, and that there can be people who belong to a society but do not have the formal legal status of citizens. This can include refugees, undocumented immigrants, and others who may lack legal recognition but still participate in the social, economic, and cultural life of a community.

Question 20

Carens accepts the possibility that opening a state's borders could lead to massive immigration that causes chaos and a breakdown in state government. He argues that his possibility shows that there is no presumption in favor of freedom of movement.

Accepted Answer

Carens acknowledges the potential challenges of open borders but argues that the presumption should still favor freedom of movement, as it aligns with liberal democratic principles and human rights.

Quiz 7: The Ethics of Immigration