Highly topical in subject matter, Asylum Seekers and the State reveals immigration policy as a political process which has social consequences not only for the newcomer group, but also for the wider receiver society. This work considers the obligations which receiver societies have for considering refugee claims, but at the same time assesses contemporary security concerns; it also provides an introduction to the roles of non-government organizations as stake-holders in the political process. The book also offers a study of the historical and cultural context of immigration in Germany and Australia, which demonstrates the practical impact of these issues. Taking a fresh approach to the issue of asylum seekers and refugees, this book offers unique perspectives from non-state actors as significant brokers and advocates of social and political processes.