Citation

Lee M. Int. J. Sociol. Law 2005; 33(1): 1-15.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This essay and review attempts to analyze the nature of and state responses to human trade, the links between the institutionalization of migration and the development of the human trade industry, the role of the state in shaping the status and experience of migrants, and the differential impact of state immigration rules and sanctions for immigration violations on particular social groups. Human trade is best understood as a transnational business involving the trading and systematic movement of people as commodities by a variety of means and potentially involving a variety of institutions (including those sponsored by the state), agents, and intermediaries. Many migration restrictions, punitive sanctions, and enforcement practices aimed at controlling and managing migration have been contentious and ineffective, serving to drive up the costs that many irregular migrants continue to bear. Precisely how states' interests in migration control and migrants' right to fair treatment can be accommodated remains a vexing question.

Keywords: Human trafficking