Abstract
The ability of nation-states to control the flow of transnational migrants has been affected by globalization. The imposition of strict immigration controls reflects the contradictory nature of states' responses to address economic and social problems. Despite the rhetoric of strict immigration control, Malaysia has not been able to control the flow of voluntary and forced migrants. The state's goal to attain a developed status by 2020 makes it difficult to have full authority over transnational migrants. The lack of differentiation between economic and forced migrants makes it rather difficult for the latter to seek protection from the state and the fear of deportation denies them the limited protection granted to legal economic migrants. The state's recognition of the refugee status of the Rohingyas seems to be an important step in providing security for a small number of forced migrants. While the impact of globalization might be uneven, it has certainly transformed in limited ways how the state relates to transnational migration.
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