Sans Papiers: The Social and Economic Lives of Young Undocumented Migrants

Seminar given on 19 November 2014 by Dr Nando Sigona (University of Birmingham) and Professor Roger Zetter (Refugee Studies Centre), part of the RSC Michaelmas term 2014 Public Seminar Series. Undocumented migration is a huge global phenomenon, yet little is known about the reality of life for those involved. Sans Papiers, co-authored by Alice Bloch, Nando Sigona and Roger Zetter, combines a contemporary account of the theoretical and policy debates with an in-depth exploration of the lived experiences of undocumented migrants in the UK from Zimbabwe, China, Brazil, Ukraine and Turkish Kurdistan. Built around their voices, the book provides a unique understanding of migratory processes, gendered experiences and migrant aspirations. In this talk, Nando Sigona and Roger Zetter draw on their book to explore the ambiguities and contradictions of being an undocumented migrant, providing insights into personal experiences alongside analysis of wider policy issues. Find out more about the book here: bit.ly/sans-papiers-undocumented