Highly topical in subject matter, Asylum Seekers and the State reveals immigration policy as a political process which has social consequences not only for the newcomer group, but also for the wider receiver society. Author Tazreiter from University of New South Wales, NSW.

Contents: Introduction: ambivalence and the outsider. Theoretical Concepts: Locating the obligation to protect; Non-government organizations and the state - partners and adversaries. Historical and Cultural Developments in Immigration and Protection - The Case Studies: The search for protection in Germany; Selection and control in Australia - from old habits to new techniques. The Politics of Exclusion: Paths of resistance and NGO experience in Germany; Detention and state sanctioned violence in Australia; Conclusion: communication and the politics of asylum; Appendix: interviews; Bibliography; Index.

'Well written and well researched, this comparative study of German and Australian models of refugee policies presents an important contribution to the on-going debate on the reception and treatment of asylum seekers and the practical dilemmas the influx of the 'strangers' poses for the host nations... Beyond the original analysis of the qualitative research data gathered, the book develops a sophisticated and nuanced discussion of the relevant theoretical debates on obligations toward "outsiders"...' Maria Markus, The University of New South Wales, Australia 'This is an exceptionally important study in the comparative sociology of the integration of immigrants...Dr Tazreiter shrewdly assesses the structural issues underlying what have appeared to be political crises giving rise to new tensions and panic. Her book should be essential reading in Australia and Germany but also [for] anyone trying to understand the sociology of economic and politically forced migration.' Professor John Rex, University of Warwick, UK '...Tazreiter is in a very strong position to make informed opinions and suggest directions for the future. This very useful book is immensely interesting and attempts to tackle an extremely complicated and contentious issue.' Reviews in Australian Studies