This work investigates the moral obligations of states toward migrants and the ethical tensions inherent in balancing national sovereignty with humanitarian imperatives. Michael Blake, a professor of philosophy and public policy, utilizes a framework rooted in political liberalism to evaluate how justice applies to those crossing borders. He examines the rights of individuals to move versus the rights of communities to exclude, ultimately arguing for a more nuanced approach to immigration policy that prioritizes human dignity.

Scholars in political philosophy frequently cite this text for its rigorous engagement with the ethics of state borders. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which is intended for those familiar with contemporary debates in political theory.