Breaking Down Anonymity : Digital Surveillance of Irregular Migrants in Germany and the Netherlands

Abstract

A m s t e r d a m U n i v e r s i t y P r e s s DissertAtions imiscoeBreaking Down Anonymity IMISCOE International Migration, Integration and Social Cohesion in EuropeThe IMISCOE Network of Excellence unites over 500 researchers from European institutes specialising in studies of international migration, integration and social cohesion. The Network is funded by the Sixth Framework Programme of the European Commission on Research, Citizens and Governance in a Knowledge-Based Society. Since its foundation in 2004, IMISCOE has developed an integrated, multidisciplinary and globally comparative research project led by scholars from all branches of the economic and social sciences, the humanities and law. The Network both furthers existing studies and pioneers new research in migration as a discipline. Priority is also given to promoting innovative lines of inquiry key to European policymaking and governance.The IMISCOE-Amsterdam University Press Series was created to make the Network's findings and results available to researchers, policymakers and practitioners, the media and other interested stakeholders. High-quality manuscripts authored by IMISCOE members and cooperating partners are published in one of four distinct series.IMISCOE RESEARCH advances sound empirical and theoretical scholarship addressing themes within IMISCOE's mandated fields of study.IMISCOE REPORTS disseminates Network papers and presentations of a time-sensitive nature in book form.IMISCOE DISSERTATIONS presents select PhD monographs written by IMISCOE doctoral candidates.IMISCOE TEXTBOOKS produces manuals, handbooks and other didactic tools for instructors and students of migration studies.IMISCOE Policy Briefs and more information on the Network can be found at www.imiscoe.org. Breaking Down Anonymity

Transnational activities and aspirations of irregular migrants in Belgium and the Netherlands

“…As neighbouring countries with analogous immigration histories, the policies that Belgium and the Netherlands implement to deal with irregular migration are very similar (van Meeteren 2010: 51-69). Whereas policies to combat irregular migration in Belgium and the Netherlands traditionally focused on policing the external borders of the nation-state, over the last few decades they have increasingly been turning inwards (Brochmann 1999;Broeders 2009). Now both countries grant irregular migrants a right to urgent medical care and all children the right to an education (van der Leun 2003;van Meeteren et al 2008).…”

A Case of Mixed Motives?: Formal and Informal Functions of Administrative Immigration Detention

“…'Cobbled' detainees are often reapprehended and detained again in case of continued illegal residence. 3 To these practically 'undeportable deportable immigrants', the detention system risks becoming a revolving door (Leerkes, 2009;Broeders 2009Broeders , 2010.…”

Territorial Ironies: Deservingness as a Struggle for Migrant Legitimacy in Belgium

“…The Belgian state also suspects migrants like Houssine, the Moroccan man married to a Flemish woman with whom he had a young child. The Belgium state has developed policies to discourage undocumented migrants from entering into what they regard as bogus marriages (Broeders 2009;Van Meeteren et al 2007). The state does not recognise marriages if they suspect them to be fake (Van Liempt 2007;Van Meeteren et al 2007).…”