There are no Angels in Calais : The impact of French migration policies on the migrants of Calais
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2011
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en
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Calais, where France almost touches Great-Britain, is one of the many spots in
Europe where immigration is highly visible. Because of its location, it has been an
important knot for immigrants trying to reach the United Kingdom. In September
2009 a large improvised camp near the city (called La Jungle), in which hundreds of
migrants resided, was destroyed by the French police. In that time it generated a lot
of attention, both positive and negative. Now that we are more than a year further, it
is time to make up the account. Has the dismantlement been successful? And what
are the consequences of the attempt to diminish immigration for the individual
migrant? In the underlying case study, these questions will be clarified. Although
this will result in a picture of the situation in Calais in specific, it can (and should) be
seen as a test to immigration policies in Europe in general. I will argue that diverse
processes are taking place which are a genuine threat to the immigrant.
Dehumanization, criminalization and exploitation are visible in Calais, and without a
doubt throughout the rest of Europe as well. Ultimately I will suggest that this is the
price to be paid if countries wish to think in terms of people who are ‘welcome’ and
who are ‘unwelcome’. Illegalizing people is at the basis of the identified problems.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen