Free trade and semi‐closed borders: Symmetries, consistencies and contradictions

Abstract

This paper examines the inter‐relationship between migration of persons and international trade in goods and services. Trade and immigration policies, their effects and inter‐dependence are examined from a variety of viewpoints across several disciplines, and an attempt is made to offer the outline of a synthesis. The relationship between trade and migration policies is of immediate relevance to policy‐makers. Unless such policies were coordinated, lawmakers might find that the desired effects of say, immigration policy might well be undone by independently chosen trade policy and conversely.