Deserving and undeserving migrants

Abstract

This article explores findings of the 'Go Home' - Mapping Immigration Controversy research project that arose in 2013 as a response to the government's anti-immigrant publicity campaigns. It considers a particular theme that emerged from the focus group data: the ways in which respondents, including ethnic minority British citizens and recent immigrants, distinguished between 'deserving' and 'undeserving', or 'good' and 'bad' migrants. The authors draw on Beverly Skeggs's work on values and respectability to provide insights into why those being devalued by dominant anti-immigrant discourses are themselves utilising these classifications as part of their own strategies for recognition. They also note that their respondents are also resisting the material practices of everyday bordering by calling on alternative values such as compassion, empathy, and solidarity.