Throughout the history of immigration and nationality law, woman have been treated differently from men. This book documents that history and the campaigns to give women independent status and equal rights.;It traces the history of women's treatment under nationality law, from the Middle Ages when they had no independent rights, to the campaigns of the feminist movement in the early-20th century for women's right to keep their nationality on marriage, right up to the present day.;The book also explains how racism and sexism have combined to treat women differently under immigration laws. This has been particularly evident in the rules of marriage, which have always made it more difficult for women than men to be joined by partners from abroad, but is also shown in the difficulties women face in bringing their children to join them and the stereoptyped views of women workers from abroad.;Significant political and legal developments over the past decade have made new issues important. Much of the book was first published as ""Worlds Apart"". This book updates the entire text and documents significant recent developments. These include the growing importance of European institutions, and the situation of refugees and asylum-seekers. The book describes the measures being taken against refugees throughout Europe and the particular problems facing women refugees fleeing gender-specific persecution.