This text examines how political concepts become depoliticized when they migrate into academic discourse, focusing on the case of “Relational Integration” in Migration Studies. To trace the evolution of the discourse, I draw on three key moments in its conceptual history: mainstream approaches that treat integration as a valid response to migration (such as Alba,

Unveiling Power Dynamics: Insights from the Autumn Research Academy on Migration Governance in the Mediterranean Region   The debate around migration, as well as the academic and practical approach to migration are inextricably linked to power dynamics. This became particularly clear in the contributions during the Autumn Research Academy “Dialogues on Migration Governance in the

When I moved to Egypt, I never thought I’d call 6th of October City my home. October is located far out in the Egyptian desert, past the Pyramids, and it’s roughly a one-hour drive from downtown Cairo. It’s quite a peaceful city, and the home to thousands of displaced families from Sudan, Syria, and other

Burnt fingertips. I keep turning over specific lines from The Optician of Lampedusa (Kirby, 2016) since I first read them eight years ago. They depict the protagonist discovering that some refugees, whom he had rescued from the sea just a few days prior, burnt their fingertips. Why would someone willingly harm their body, most likely

In Lebanon, a nation marked by its rich history and diverse culture, a hidden reality persists—one that involves the silent struggles of approximately 250,000 domestic workers, as confirmed by the United Nations. Behind the picturesque landscapes and vibrant cities, a significant portion of the workforce, comprised of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) hailing primarily from Sri

The screen goes black. A few seconds pass until we hear someone breathing on the other end of the line. But the sound seems muffled. Finally, someone says: “Hi.” Friend and co- director of the documentary, David, releases a grateful sigh and responds: “Hi Kumut.” In this blog entry, I would like to dedicate my

As an American studying in Germany and currently on exchange in Egypt, I am no stranger to privilege in the face of borders. The American passport is consistently ranked as one of the most powerful passports in the world, with 186 visa-free destination countries.

Migration has become a global phenomenon that impacts societies, economies, and individuals in various ways with debates on its impact on recipient countries: whether regarding the influx of immigrants or of refugees. Some may say it enhances the country’s overall diversity and has flourishing impacts on the economy, while others may say it has negative

  Within the framework of Egyptian migration, contemporary research shows that there are significant educational disparities in the context of gender. Egyptian society is composed of a complex interplay of cultural norms, gender expectations, and migration dynamics which ultimately shape the educational trajectories of its migrant population. Notably, these dynamics often result in a distinct