The Consequences of the Europeanization of Immigration Policies

The Europeanization of immigration policies through horizontal mechanisms and later transfers of competence to the European Union (EU) has been well documented. Yet, what are the changes brought about by a quarter century of this process? What difference does Europeanization make? To answer this question implies multiplying levels of analysis from the macro to the micro and a research design that starts from the point of view of those that have to take into account the new frame and framing of immigration policy: ministers in new member states, third countries negotiating with the EU but also social movement organizations and migrants themselves. This article recaps the first twenty five years of EU cooperation on immigration highlighting the main features of this policy domain. It then discusses the dimensions of Europeanization in the area of immigration policy and the added value that consists in studying its effects. To do so, the article argues implies combining different levels of analysis and shifting the locus of observation and object of study.