A theoretical framework for the analysis of spousal migration policies -- Empirical and legal realities of spousal migration to Germany -- The European dimension of family migration policies -- Political and institutional frames on spousal migration -- The “other” side: transnational couples’ and migrant advocates’ perspectives.

Laura Block asks how liberal democracies manage to restrict migration in spite of liberal constraints. She analyses the political debates surrounding spousal migration policies from 2005–2010 in Germany and reveals government strategies that restrict spousal migration while staying within the discursive realm of individual rights. By circumscribing and scrutinising both the membership status necessary to access the right to family protection and the family ties in question, restricting spousal migration is legitimised. Contents A theoretical framework for the analysis of spousal migration policies Empirical and legal realities of spousal migration to Germany The European dimension of family migration policies Political and institutional frames on spousal migration The “other” side: transnational couples’ and migrant advocates’ perspectives Target Groups Researchers and students dealing with migration studies, policy and discourse analysis The Author Laura Block works as a project coordinator for Arbeitsgemeinschaft der deutschen Familienorganisationen (AGF), Berlin.