When is Migration Voluntary?

Abstract

In this paper we critically evaluate the role that the notion of voluntariness plays in the normative theory of migration. We argue that the notion is currently underdefined and works to undermine migrants' claims to see their migratory projects properly recognized. We argue that it is nevertheless important to be able to define when migration can be said to be voluntary if we are to theorize appropriate normative and policy responses to migrants' claims. We propose therefore a series of sufficient and necessary conditions to the definition of voluntary migration. We use the case of temporary migration to illustrate our argument.Kymlicka has not substantially altered his argument in his more recent work. See, for example, Kymlicka (2001:55). We would also like to note here that we do not necessarily disagree with Kymlicka's conclusions about the appropriateness of differential treatment of migrants and national minorities; we just take issue with the use of voluntariness to reach those conclusions.

Forced to leave? The discursive and analytical significance of describing migration as forced and voluntary

“…The literature in both migration studies and forced migration studies is somewhat limited in its analysis of the implications of volition on migration processes, despite forced-voluntary being a key dichotomy in typologies of migration (notable exceptions include Fussell 2012;Ottonelli and Torresi 2013). In forced migration studies, much of this debate has concerned the implications of expanding 'refugee studies' as a field focusing on those outside their country of origin due to a well-founded fear of persecution (as defined by the 1951 Refugee Convention), to 'forced migration studies' as a field that incorporates a much more diverse range of displaced people.…”

Deconstructing the meanings of and motivations for return: an Afghan case study

“…In the current policy focus on return, managing voluntary return is considered as less costly and politically less painful than enforced removal (Blitz, Sales, & Marzano, 2005;Ottonelli & Torresi, 2013;Stein & Cuny, 1994). But when a (post-)conflict country is declared safe to return to and temporary asylum statuses expire, European host states usually plan for 'voluntary' return, with financial inducements or the threat of deportation, much sooner than these migrants themselves.…”

“…But when a (post-)conflict country is declared safe to return to and temporary asylum statuses expire, European host states usually plan for 'voluntary' return, with financial inducements or the threat of deportation, much sooner than these migrants themselves. In policy-driven categorizations, the notion of voluntariness has furthermore become based on the use of physical force, and any non-deported return is considered as 'voluntary' (see Chimni, 2000;Ottonelli & Torresi, 2013).…”

“…Research on forced migration from conflict-affected countries has focused on the structural forces determining migration. This is reinforced by activists for migrants' rights who highlight that these forced migrants need protection and assistance (Ottonelli & Torresi, 2013). However, such politicized understandings do not reflect the complexity of reasons to migrate, which are often a combination between security, economic, political and social reasons (King, 2012;Koser & Black, 1999;Ottonelli & Torresi, 2013) and 'assume away the agency of migrants' by seeing them as victims rather than purposeful actors (Bakewell, 2008).…”

“…This is reinforced by activists for migrants' rights who highlight that these forced migrants need protection and assistance (Ottonelli & Torresi, 2013). However, such politicized understandings do not reflect the complexity of reasons to migrate, which are often a combination between security, economic, political and social reasons (King, 2012;Koser & Black, 1999;Ottonelli & Torresi, 2013) and 'assume away the agency of migrants' by seeing them as victims rather than purposeful actors (Bakewell, 2008). In contrast, several authors argue that even when taking place under immediate threats to security, mobility involves both choices and constraints, which blurs the conceptual boundaries between voluntary and involuntary mobility (Bakewell, 2008;Hyndman, 2012;King, 2012;Lubkemann, 2008;Monsutti, 2008;Stein & Cuny, 1994).…”