Reclaiming Migration: Voices from Europe's 'Migrant Crisis'

Reclaiming migration critically examines the EU's migration policy through the unheard voices of migrants across the Mediterranean. It explores the flawed assumptions and advances justice claims by a team of esteemed scholars.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2021
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Reclaiming Migration is a groundbreaking book that delves into the critical assessment of the European Union's (EU) migration policy through the presentation of unheard voices from the so-called migrant crisis. It conducts an extensive analysis of a counter-archive of migratory testimonies, co-produced with individuals on the move across the Mediterranean during 2015 and 2016, to document the ways in which EU policy developments contribute to precarity for those migrating under perilous conditions. The book sheds light on the flawed assumptions underlying the policy agenda while also exploring the claims and demands for justice advanced by these individuals. Written collaboratively by a team of esteemed scholars from diverse disciplines, Reclaiming Migration makes a significant contribution to ongoing debates surrounding migration, borders, postcolonialism, and the politics of knowledge production.

The book begins by acknowledging the dominant narratives surrounding migration in the EU, which often portray migrants as threats to security, economic prosperity, and social cohesion. Reclaiming Migration challenges these narratives by presenting the experiences and perspectives of migrants themselves, highlighting their resilience, courage, and contributions to society. The authors argue that the migrant crisis is not solely a result of external factors such as conflict, poverty, or climate change but also of the EU's policies and practices, which create conditions that force people to migrate in search of a better life.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of borders in shaping migration patterns. The authors argue that borders are not static entities but rather are constantly being constructed, deconstructed, and reimagined through political, economic, and social processes. They highlight the ways in which borders are used as tools of control, exclusion, and discrimination, particularly against migrants from marginalized communities. The book also explores the impact of borders on the lives of migrants, including the difficulties they face in accessing basic rights, such as healthcare, education, and legal assistance.

Another important aspect of Reclaiming Migration is the examination of the politics of knowledge production surrounding migration. The authors argue that the dominant narratives about migration are often shaped by powerful actors, such as governments, media, and NGOs, who have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. They challenge the notion that there is a singular, objective truth about migration and instead advocate for a more nuanced and complex understanding of the phenomenon. The book encourages readers to engage with a range of sources and perspectives, including those of migrants themselves, to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of migration.

Reclaiming Migration is a powerful and thought-provoking book that offers a critical perspective on the EU's migration policy. It challenges the dominant narratives and highlights the experiences and perspectives of migrants themselves. The book provides valuable insights into the role of borders, the politics of knowledge production, and the need for a more inclusive and humanistic approach to migration. It is a must-read for policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of migration and its impact on society.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 223 x 145 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526144812