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Criminalising Migration: The Vicious Cycle of Insecurity and Irregularity

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  • Matilde Rosina

    (College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences, Brunel University London, London UB8 3PH, UK
    European Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science, London WC2A 2AE, UK)

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed growing emphasis on exceptional measures to address unauthorised arrivals. This article unpacks the relationship between migration policies, irregularity, and insecurity, by examining the consequences of a specific, yet often neglected, measure: the criminalisation of irregular migration (namely, the introduction of the “crime of irregular migration”). Investigating the cases of Italy and France, two of the countries with the most severe sanctions in Europe, it argues that criminalisation led to a two-fold feedback loop. On the one hand, by exceptionalising migration and constructing a continuum between migrants and criminals, criminalisation enhanced a sense of insecurity among the domestic public. On the other hand, by giving foreigners in irregular situations a criminal record, it increased their reliance on underground networks to stay and work in destination countries. Overall, this fostered demand for restrictive, yet counterproductive, policies, creating a vicious cycle of insecurity and irregularity.

Suggested Citation

  • Matilde Rosina, 2024. "Criminalising Migration: The Vicious Cycle of Insecurity and Irregularity," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-19, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:13:y:2024:i:10:p:529-:d:1491310
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jef Huysmans, 2000. "The European Union and the Securitization of Migration," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(5), pages 751-777, December.
    2. Paolo Pinotti, 2017. "Clicking on Heaven's Door: The Effect of Immigrant Legalization on Crime," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 107(1), pages 138-168, January.
    3. Giovanni Mastrobuoni & Paolo Pinotti, 2015. "Legal Status and the Criminal Activity of Immigrants," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 7(2), pages 175-206, April.
    4. Mathias Czaika & Hein De Haas, 2013. "The Effectiveness of Immigration Policies," Population and Development Review, The Population Council, Inc., vol. 39(3), pages 487-508, September.
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