Give refuge to the stranger : the past, present, and future of sanctuary

The concept of sanctuary—giving refuge to the threatened, vulnerable stranger—is universal and older than human society. From its origins in primate populations, to its elaboration in ancient religious traditions, to the modern legal institution of asylum, Linda Rabben tells the story of sanctuary as it evolved over thousands of years. She then examines asylum today, analysing policy in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia and linking them to the experiences of courageous individuals to show how immigration and asylum are under attack in around the world. Her expert account offers critical context for understanding current political debates and is a stimulating, literate text accessible to undergraduates as well as the general public. From its origins in primate populations, to its elaboration in ancient religious traditions, to the modern legal institution of asylum, Linda Rabben tells the story of sanctuary as it evolved over thousands of years. She then examines asylum today, analyzing policy in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia and linking them to the experiences of courageous individuals to show how immigration and asylum are under attack around the world. Her expert account offers critical context for understanding current political debates and is a stimulating, literate text accessible to undergraduates as well as the general public."--Pub. desc Contents 8 Acknowledgments 10 Introduction 14 Chapter One: Asylum Seekers’ Stories 26 Chapter Two: From the Beginning 44 Chapter Three: A Thousand Years of Sanctuary 56 Chapter Four: From Sanctuary to Asylum 72 Chapter Five: Asylum outside the Law 84 Chapter Six: The Delight of Rescue 100 Chapter Seven: The Heyday of Asylum 124 Figure Gallery 138 Chapter Eight: Asylum Now: Canada, Australia, and the USA 156 Chapter Nine: Asylum Now: Europe and the United Kingdom 174 Chapter Ten: Asylum vs. Sanctuary 204 Chapter Eleven: Does Asylum Have a Future? 226 Appendix 238 Notes 242 References 266 Index 266 About the Author 280 The concept of sanctuary - giving refuge to the threatened, vulnerable stranger - is universal and older than human society. From its origins in primate populations, to its elaboration in ancient religious traditions, to the modern legal institution of asylum, Linda Rabben tells the story of sanctuary as it evolved over thousands of years. She then examines asylum today, analysing policy in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia and linking them to the experiences of courageous individuals to show how immigration and asylum are under attack in around the world. Her expert account offers Asylum Seekers' Stories -- From The Beginning -- A Thousand Years Of Sanctuary -- From Sanctuary To Asylum -- Asylum Outside The Law -- The Delight Of Rescue -- The Heyday Of Asylum -- Asylum Now : Canada, Australia And The Usa -- Asylum Now : Europe And The United Kingdom -- Asylum Vs. Sanctuary -- Does Asylum Have A Future? Linda Rabben. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.