Carens Argument For Open Borders

Carens states that being a citizen in a Western democracy is the equivalent to being born into the nobility in a feudal class system because in both, it is through inherited traits one receives the increased likelihood of success. Carens believes that once analyzed it is difficult to justify the lack of open borders between states. The argument for open borders that is presented by Carens hinges on two main components: the freedom of movement and the equality of opportunity. In this essay I will briefly outline Carens’ justification for the importance of these two components and how they relate to the argument for open borders. I will then state whether or not I believe that Carens’ argument is persuasive.
Carens believes that the right …show more content…
Many of the points that led to my initial reluctance to accept were addressed in the caveats presented by Carens. First and foremost, I could not imagine a relatively near future in which open borders could exists and because of this was inclined to reject the validity of the idea. Carens addressed this concern by making clear that there is a significant difference between discussing what is right in principle and what is right and possible given the current political state of the world. Carens articulated how at onetime slavery was a seemingly solid social institution that was widely accepted and ostensibly engrained in society but was still very unjust. I cannot speak accurately to the mindset of the individuals in the time of rampant institutionalized racism; but the idea of open borders seems less obvious and less of a hindrance on basic human rights. Carens displayed how it is important and necessary to think critically about such ideas and gain a moral perspective. Freedom of movement is certainly an important right and it should be able to be practiced by anyone regardless of vital necessity and supported regardless of frequency of enforcement. The fact that open borders would enhance the right to a lawful practicing of freedom of movement is clear therefore promoting the concept of open borders. The importance of movement in relation to the equal opportunity is undeniable. Carens outlined successfully that opportunity is diminished significantly due to place of birth and that closed borders restrict access to opportunity. The existence of open borders would enhance the democratic principle of equal opportunity exponentially. When comparing the concept of open borders to closed borders strictly in terms of the support they provide for the basic values of justice, equality and liberty open borders are ; the argument Carens provided articulated this and therefore due to sufficient