Based on a review of government policy documents and research literature, this paper provides an account of the evolution of government policies in China since 2000. The state of China has selectively provided some inclusive policies for rural-urban migrants but denied them formal membership and offered them only partial social entitlements in the host city. The implementation of a some social policies for rural migrants has largely been ineffective. Further efforts need to be made to enhance the inclusion of rural migrants in China's urban areas.
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