International law significantly influences immigration policies by establishing guidelines that nations are expected to follow regarding the treatment of migrants and refugees. Instruments like the 1951 Refugee Convention stipulate that asylum seekers should not be returned to places where they face danger. Nations are also obliged to respect human rights in their immigration practices, prohibiting discrimination based on race, gender, or religion. Furthermore, international agreements can lead to cooperative frameworks among states, impacting their policy decisions and fostering a collective approach to managing migration flows.