ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines a theoretical basis for understanding local policy responses to immigration, using a model of host-stranger relations. It proposes a typology that classifies local policies toward migrants in terms of host-stranger relations, linking the above model to the data collected on actual policies observed in cities. In the case of local policy responses to immigration, several clarifications are in order. First, limiting the study to espoused policy would mean missing much of the picture. Second, understanding 'non-policy' is a crucial part of policy analysis especially in regard to immigrants. The Transient attitude toward labour migrants is expressed in what can be termed Non-policy in which the municipality turns a blind eye to the problem. In effect, it passes the responsibility to others: employers, civic society, government agencies. City Hall will also react to specific problems when they can no longer be ignored, such as migrant squatting that must be cleared if it becomes too great a nuisance.
