This book complements abundant research about immigrants by contributing novel data, knowledge, and theories about potential immigrants-those who might have immigrated but did not despite the benefits of migration to immigrants and origin and destination societies. The text examines three mechanisms that reduce or restrict immigration-governments denying visas, policies and social forces deterring many from applying for visas, and potential immigrants becoming disenchanted with immigration. Jacob expands the Push-Pull Model to a Push-Retain-Pull-Repel Model that accounts for why many remain ambivalently immobile. Narratives of might-have-been-immigrants reveal an (im)mobility paradox: factors facilitating migration-socio-economic resources and social ties-also hinder it. The book analyses denial, deterrence, and disenchantment from the perspective of countless people who do not immigrate due to one of these processes, revealing how they are socio-economically stratified with respect to each other and immigrants. This provokes a deeper, more global understanding of inequalities in migratory opportunities.

'Migration is good for the migrants, which is why many people worldwide want to move somewhere else. Yet most potential international migrants find themselves blocked from doing what would make their lives better. In this deeply researched, fascinating book, Jacob Thomas takes a penetrating look at the way in which immigration policies and bureaucratic practices keep people in place. The results is an important book, one from which scholars as well as students have much to learn.'

Roger Waldinger - Distinguished Professor and Director of the UCLA Center for the Study of International Migration