ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the phenomenon of illiberal democracy by focusing on developments in the field of migration policy, and the underlying changing dynamics of migration politics. It traces the roots of the ongoing illiberal trend by highlighting the paradoxes and tensions of liberal democracy and migration politics; as well as the recent transformations of socio-political conflicts. The contribution underlines that attitudes to immigration are constitutive of the current socio-political divisions and identifies the key role the politicization of immigration plays in the rise of illiberal democracy. The chapter finally notes that the ongoing illiberal trend is not only a concern in terms of migrant rights but potentially for democracy itself.
