These three chapters provide three perspectives on migration and attempt to offer policy options as an alternative to those reflected at present in international debate, especially those advocated by the receiving countries.

The chapters start from the same premise, that, despite an increase in migratory flows in recent years, “the voluntary movement of people is a clear…exception to globalization” (Sutcliffe), or, put another way, “the mobility of labor seldom if ever matches that of capital” (DeFreitas).

There is no doubt that the last two decades have witnessed an increase in migratory flows. It has been estimated that roughly 100 million (or 2 percent of the world's population) live outside their country of citizenship. This figure is exaggerated, however, since it covers refugees. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), migrants in 1993 totaled 30–35 million and their dependents 40–50 million, for a total of 70–85 million.

Despite this magnitude, it is not justified to label the 1990s as the “age of migration,” as Sutcliffe does.

The question is: how has the globalization process changed the scene of migration, and what are the policy options to deal with this important aspect?

First, we start with the views of the three chapters. How do they deal with this question?

DeFreitas is mainly concerned with policy reversals both in Europe and the U.S. toward migrants. He concludes that the fear that immigration harms domestic wages or employment are not founded.