ABSTRACT
This chapter examines arguments for abandoning all restrictions on movement between territories: for open borders. It looks at potential justifications for opening territorial borders to immigration. The chapter also looks at so-called brain drain, but one potential problem is that some of the most economically productive and politically competent members of Mexican society might immediately leave for the United States, while the poorest Mexicans remain behind. One common argument for open borders focuses on the economic benefits of free movement of people. If borders are open, then companies can hire whichever workers will be most productive: able to produce greater output at a lower cost. In response to the equality argument, some theorists invoke requirements of fair treatment. Utilitarianism is attractive because it seems to respect each person’s equality as a human being. As an argument for greater global equality, then, an argument from cosmic unfairness is unlikely to generate much success.
