Migration

Between Support and Fear: Civil Society at the Margins of Social Assistance

25.02.2026 , in ((Narratives on Migration in Times of Crisis)) , ((No Comments))

When people turn to organizations like Caritas, they are often looking for clarity and support in difficult situations. Since a Swiss migration law change in 2019, civil society organizations have operated in a narrow space: they cannot replace the welfare state or fully remove legal uncertainty. What they can do ...

+ Read more

“Who Deserves Support?”: Immigrant Access to Social Rights During COVID-19

05.02.2026 , in ((Narratives on Migration in Times of Crisis)) , ((No Comments))

Social policy and immigration policy are among the most contested areas in contemporary politics, especially in the Global North. At their intersection – where immigrants’ access to welfare is decided – debates intensify. Here, questions of belonging and solidarity collide, with tangible consequences. They determine who receives support in times ...

+ Read more

Narrating Crises of Europe’s Southernmost Borders: the Cases of Melilla and Lampedusa

20.01.2026 , in ((Narratives on Migration in Times of Crisis)) , ((No Comments))

Mainstream media coverage of two crises unfolding at the European Union (EU) borders in Italy and Spain often neglects the human realities of migration. Migrants are made invisible, while attention focuses on criminality, security, and border control. When they do appear, they are frequently placed, often without scrutiny, into rigid ...

+ Read more

Why Migration Narratives Deserve More Than Lip Service

14.01.2026 , in ((Narratives on Migration in Times of Crisis)) , ((No Comments))

The word “narrative” increasingly appears in discussions of migration, but its analytical meaning is rarely specified. Campaigners often speak of the need for a “new narrative” on migration, while some narratives, such as “the Great Replacement,” have entered public consciousness. Narratives are not just stories or slogans. They are selective ...

+ Read more