Comparing the protests of undocumented migrants beyond contexts: collective actions as acts of emancipation

Abstract

<jats:p>In this article, we demonstrate that the collective actions of undocumented migrants possess similar symbolic dimensions, even if the contexts of their actions differ. We explain this finding by focusing on the power relations that undocumented migrants face. Given that they occupy a very specific position in society (i.e., they are neither included in nor completely excluded from citizenship), they experience similar forms of power relations vis-à-vis public authorities in different countries. We argue that this leads them to participate in collective actions as acts of emancipation. Our analysis illustrates this argument by comparing marches by undocumented migrants in three countries: France, Germany and Canada-Quebec. Through an in-depth analysis, we demonstrate that these marches redefine the legal order and politicize the presence of undocumented migrants in the public sphere. By highlighting the cognitive, emotional and relational dimensions of collective actions, we show that the symbolic dimension of these three marches relates to the empowerment, pride and solidarity of undocumented migrants.</jats:p>

“We Are Here to Stay” – Refugee Struggles in Germany Between Unity and Division

“…These groups all shared the idea of developing self-organized political practice and resistance grounded in the specific situation of the social group in order to defend their rights and shape their political demands. Critically, one main strategy of the migration regime has been to isolate refugees and migrants, deny them a legitimate subject position, and silence their voices (Monforte and Dufour 2013;Ataç et al 2015;Schwiertz 2016a;Mokre 2018;Hinger et al 2018). As a result, when these activists make their demands public, it is a key moment of self-organization, as they are making their own situation visible.…”

Tracing Anti-deportation Protests: A Longitudinal Comparison of Austria, Germany and Switzerland

“…In the following we develop a nuanced conceptualization of anti-deportation protest to evaluate the empirical findings across time and across countries. To do so, we draw on literature on migrant protests (Monforte and Dufour 2013;Tyler and Marciniak 2013) and develop a framework with three features: participants' interests, claims, and the level of mobilization and organization (see Table 5.1).…”

“…This renders their positions largely invisible in public, at the same time as the issue of migration and asylum seekers is "hypervisible" (Tyler and Marciniak 2013, 152) and biased against immigrants and foreigners (Decker et al 2010;Friesl et al 2010). As non-citizens subject to deportation, involvement in protest-becoming visible and demanding rights-is risky and increases chances of arrest and actual deportation (Rygiel 2011;Monforte and Dufour 2013). The situation is quite different for those who protest on behalf of rejected asylum seekers: As citizens they have access to formal political processes and often access to resources that render protest more effective.…”

Tracing Anti-deportation Protests: A Longitudinal Comparison of Austria, Germany and Switzerland

“…To do so, we draw on literature on migrant protests (Monforte and Dufour 2013;Tyler and Marciniak 2013) and develop a framework with three features: participants' interests, claims, and the level of mobilization and organization (see Table 5.1).…”

“…While rejected asylum seekers often attempt to resist their own deportation (Monforte and Dufour 2013), solidarity anti-deportation protest may go beyond the individual deportation, and press for social or legal change. In this respect, we distinguish between case-specific, anti-enforcement-driven claims on the one hand, and aspiring claims on the other.…”