When the Set of Known Opportunities Broadens: Aspirations and Imagined Futures of Undocumented Migrants Applying for Regularization

Abstract

This qualitative study describes the aspirations that led migrants to stay in Switzerland for more than 10 years in an irregular residence situation and how their aspirations are transformed with the implementation of a regularization program. The prospect of regularization allows undocumented migrants to project themselves more positively into the future. However, there are important differences between young adults, those with children in Switzerland, those living in transnational families, elderly migrants and single parents.

Transitioning out of illegalization: Cross-border mobility experiences

“…However, against their the desire to visit the family in the country of origin and to travel like regular migrants do, they have to avoid crossing borders to prevent identity controls that might result in being refused re-entry in the territory where they live and work. This immobility results in long-lasting separations from family and friends as well as in difficulties in social and romantic life, as reported in research on illegalized migrants (Fresnoza-Flot, 2009;Sigona, 2012;Pila, 2016;Bravo, 2017;Dito et al, 2017;Consoli et al, 2022).…”

“…Illegalized residents in Geneva are mainly transnational migrants keeping strong ties with their families and friends in their country of origin. Originally from the Global South, they often see their prolonged unauthorized stay in the Global North in precarious working conditions, as a temporary situation to accomplish personal or family projects, and as a first step toward a better future for themselves and their family (Consoli et al, 2022). The paradox is that they endure long physical separation from family to accomplish it.…”

“…Obtaining a legal status from a Schengen-area country reduces mobility restrictions since it allows intra-European mobility and traveling between the country of residence and the country of origin. Different studies have shown that newly regularized migrants consider the removal of legal barriers to cross-borders as one of the most significant benefits brought by regularization and that visiting family in the country of origin is one of the first things migrants do after obtaining a residence permit (Schuster, 2005;Le Courant, 2014;Kraler, 2019;Consoli et al, 2022). However, little is known about the transformative effects of those first return visits.…”

“…A more processual understanding taking duration into account and in which past, present and future are considered as interwoven, is needed. Indeed, the anticipated future can influence the present since migrants undergoing regularization might already enjoy post-regularization life through imagination and future anticipations (Consoli et al, 2022). Nevertheless, the past might also influence the present.…”

“…Obtaining a legal status from a Schengen country opens the door to legal intra-European mobility and legal mobility between the residence country and the country of origin. Despite qualitative studies showing that the removal of legal barriers to cross-border mobility is perceived by previously illegalized migrants as one of the most significant changes brought by a residence permit (Le Courant, 2014;Kraler, 2019;Consoli et al, 2022), the impact of these programs has rarely been analyzed through the "mobility lens" (Urry, 2007).…”