Political and media discussions in Europe produced many titles recently according to which “the immigration crisis” is threatening national identity and sovereignty of European states. In light of this, it is worthwhile to historicize inter-state migration in the continent, its consequences and the reactions to it. This would be the goal of the seminar. We will deal primarily with migration for economic reasons, but will not ignore political causes, deportations and refugees. Large scale seasonal migration for work was known in Europe from at least the 17^th century. Longer term migration developed gradually thereafter, encompassing agricultural workers, house maids, construction workers and industrial labor. Roads, railroads and steamships made migration to America available to the many millions, changing the dynamics of migration in the continent. The emergence of nationalism and of the nation state changed the attitudes towards migration during the 19^th and 20^th centuries. In this seminar we will look at these changes and ask how societies and states addressed the different challenges posed by emigration and immigration. We will highlight practices and policy with regard to the labor market and to the regulation of borders.