Migrant activism and integration from below in Ireland : Migrant associations in the republic of Ireland

This book analyzes the interaction between migrant activists and leaders and the state of the Republic of Ireland -- a late player in Europe's immigration regime - against the background of an increasingly restrictive immigration regime. Employing the term 'migrant-led activism' to encompass a range of activities and policy interventions that migrant-led groups in Ireland engage in, this book critically analyzes the interaction between migrant activists and leaders and the state of the Republic of Ireland -- a late player in Europe's immigration regime. The book, by a team of researchers based in Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, sets outan evidence-based critique of state and societal discourses of integration to provide a nuanced migrant-inspired discussion of processes of 'integration from below' against the background of an increasingly restrictive immigration regime. Through lobbying, advocacy, outreach, information, support, as well as campaigns against racism and discriminations, the migrant-led associations discussed in this book not only provide essential services but also participate in policy debates around issues that affect migrants, implement strategies of cultural adaptation and resistance, create opportunities for individual and community advancement, and provide a platform for disadvantaged segments of the population to become visible. The migrant-led associations studied all aim at facilitating migrants' integration from below' in Ireland, displaying a community oriented focus Employing the term 'migrant-led activism' to encompass a range of activities and policy interventions that migrant-led groups in Ireland engage in, this book critically analyzes the interaction between migrant activists and leaders and the state of the Republic of Ireland 6 a late player in Europe's immigration regime. The book, by a team of researchers based in Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, sets outan evidence-based critique of state and societal discourses of integration to provide a nuanced migrant-inspired discussion of processes of 'integration from below' against the background of an increasingly restrictive immigration regime. Through lobbying, advocacy, outreach, information, support, as well as campaigns against racism and discriminations, the migrant-led associations discussed in this book not only provide essential services but also participate in policy debates around issues that affect migrants, implement strategies of cultural adaptation and resistance, create opportunities for individual and community advancement, and provide a platform for disadvantaged segments of the population to become visible. The migrant-led associations studied all aim at facilitating migrants' integration from below' in Ireland, displaying a community oriented focus Front Matter....Pages i-vii Introduction: Immigration in Ireland and Migrant-Led Activism....Pages 1-20 Theorizing Migrant-Led Activism....Pages 21-41 ‘There Is No Movement’: A Brief History of Migrant-Led Activism in Ireland....Pages 42-71 On Visibility and Invisibility: Migrant Practices between Regimes of Representation and Self-Determination....Pages 72-94 Investing in Hope? Gendered Resistance and the Struggle of Migrant Women’s Associations in Ireland....Pages 95-118 Chinese-Led Migrant Activism beyond Invisibility: The Irish Chinese Sichuan Earthquake Appeal Committee....Pages 119-139 Beyond Welcoming the Strangers: Migrant Integration Processes among Protestant Churches in Ireland....Pages 140-158 The Horn of Africa People’s Aid: Refugee Empowerment and New Forms of Neo-Liberal Rationality....Pages 159-181 Conclusion: Integration from Below?....Pages 182-200 Back Matter....Pages 201-231