An ethical approach to migration has to face the complex reality of irregular immigration as a
challenge to the protection of the borders by sovereign states. The situation in Europe since
2015 has led to a rise of populism and to a polarization of the political debate in many countries.
On the other hand, the presence of asylum seekers has also triggered new expressions of
solidarity. The article explores the levels of responsibility of persons and institutions concerned
by the need for humanitarian aid and for the administration of applications for asylum according
to the rule of law and international commitments. The ideal of hospitality can help to support
just and fair procedures without being the answer to all questions. Individual and structural
degrees of action have to be distinguished. Religious beliefs play a particular role in the ongoing
European debate on strangers, borders and human rights. The ethics of migration urgently
needs such inspirational resources in order to close the gap between theoretical argumentation
and practical morality.An ethical approach to migration has to face the complex reality of irregular immigration as a
challenge to the protection of the borders by sovereign states. The situation in Europe since
2015 has led to a rise of populism and to a polarization of the political debate in many countries.
On the other hand, the presence of asylum seekers has also triggered new expressions of
solidarity. The article explores the levels of responsibility of persons and institutions concerned
by the need for humanitarian aid and for the administration of applications for asylum according
to the rule of law and international commitments. The ideal of hospitality can help to support
just and fair procedures without being the answer to all questions. Individual and structural
degrees of action have to be distinguished. Religious beliefs play a particular role in the ongoing
European debate on strangers, borders and human rights. The ethics of migration urgently
needs such inspirational resources in order to close the gap between theoretical argumentation
and practical morality.
