A liberal argument for border controls: Reply to Carens

This note challenges Joseph H. Carens' assertion that no comprehensive libe ral case has been made against open borders. The heart of a liberal case ag ainst open borders is the distinction between the equal moral standing of a ll people on the one hand, and the requirement to provide equal treatment o n the other. The first does not necessarily imply the second. Border contro ls in rich countries can be justified by liberals on the grounds that they protect the most disadvantaged residents of those countries.