Measuring and Comparing Immigration, Asylum and Naturalization Policies Across Countries: Challenges and Solutions
| Author | Hillel Rapoport,Anna Boucher,Justin Gest,Michel Beine,Eiko Thielemann,Patrick McGovern,Mary Crock,Brian Burgoon,Michael Hiscox,Suzanna Challen |
| Date | 01 September 2014 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1111/1758-5899.12132 |
| Published date | 01 September 2014 |
Measuring and Comparing Immigration,
Asylum and Naturalization Policies Across
Countries: Challenges and Solutions
Justin Gest, George Mason University
Anna Boucher, University of Sydney
Suzanna Challen, Harvard University
Brian Burgoon, University of Amsterdam
Eiko Thielemann, London School of Economics and Political Science
Michel Beine, University of Luxembourg
Patrick McGovern, London School of Economics and Political Science
Mary Crock, University of Sydney
Hillel Rapoport, Paris School of Economics
Michael Hiscox, Harvard University
Abstract
Academics and policy makers require a better understanding of the variation of policies that regulate global migration,
asylum and immigrant naturalization. At present, however, there is no comprehensive cross-national, time-series data-
base of such policies, rendering the analysis of policy trends across and within these areas difficult at best. Several new
immigration databases and indices have been developed in recent years. However, there is no consensus on how best
to conceptualize, measure and aggregate migration policy indicators to allow for meaningful comparisons through time
and across space. This article discusses these methodological challenges and introduces practical solutions that involve
historical, multi-dimensional, disaggregated and transparent conceptualizing, measuring and compiling of cross-national
immigration policies. Such an approach informs the International Migration Policy and Law Analysis (IMPALA) database.
Policy Implications
•Academics and policy makers require a better understanding of the variation of policies that regulate global migra-
tion, asylum and immigrant naturalization.
•At present, there is no comprehensive cross-national, time-series database of immigration policies, rendering the
analysis of policy trends across and within these areas difficult for policy makers and scholars alike.
•Immigration policy makers have few resources for the establishment or analysis of best practices. This article out-
lines early steps.
•Coding and measurement of policy across borders is of interest in spheres beyond the regulation of global migra-
tion.
•The coding of immigration policies reveals the discrepancies of implementation and enforcement of immigration
law.
Global Policy (2014) 5:3 doi: 10.1111/1758-5899.12132 ©2014 University of Durham and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global Policy Volume 5 . Issue 3 . September 2014 261
Research Article
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