Chinese Immigration Law and Policy: Perspectives of Lawmakers, Administrators and Immigrants

• In Event: Immigration and the Transformation of Chinese Society

Abstract

After a decade of debate, a new national exit-entry law was adopted in 2012, replacing a regulatory framework that dated back to the mid-1980s. This paper will offer initial reflections on the social dynamics and outcomes of the implementation of the new exit-entry law by focussing on the actions of state and non-state actors, including legislators, administrators and immigrants. With the new national exit-entry law in place, the local administration faces the challenge of implementing the new policy of “promote the high-end, limit the normal, ban the low-end” that disqualifies many commercially oriented immigrants who lack the required educational or professional qualifications. The study focuses on two sites: Beijing where the national legislator is located, and Guangzhou as a centre of commerce and foreign immigration. In terms of foreign population, the presence of African immigrants has raised considerable debate in public and policy circles. Besides their conspicuous distinctiveness in appearance and culture, African immigrants have attracted attention as a result of collective protest actions in response to police mistreatment. In order to integrate the perspectives of legislators, administrators and immigrants, the project pursues an interdisciplinary approach. This study draws on theoretical and methodological approaches from legal studies and anthropology.

Authors

• Bjorn Ahl, Cologne University

• Michaela Pelican, Cologne University