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Immigration Detention in the Community: research on the experiences of migrants released from detention centres in the UK

Klein, Axel, Williams, Lucy (2012) Immigration Detention in the Community: research on the experiences of migrants released from detention centres in the UK. Population, Space and Place, 18 (6). pp. 741-753. ISSN 1544-8444. (doi:10.1002/psp.1725) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:30036)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/psp.1725

Abstract

This paper argues that immigration detention results in immigration detainees being treated as anomalies within the liberal, democratic state – not only within detention centres but also post-release. Given that most released detainees remain destitute and without entitlement or resolution of their immigration cases, many report feelings of being continuously ‘detained’ even after release. This paper addresses a gap in the literature on the ongoing experience of released detainees. The authors draw on qualitative interview data from former detainees as a first step towards a better understanding of the issues.

We discuss wider questions of why the detention regime fails to prepare detainees for release as well as how this omission can undermine their capacity to lead productive and socially meaningful lives. This paper argues that the lack of concern for the well-being of former immigration detainees has considerable and far-reaching implications for the former detainees and their communities. Finally, we link the situation of former detainees and their liminal states of exception, to discourses of slavery and civil death.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1002/psp.1725
Uncontrolled keywords: immigration detention;post-detention;release;citizenship;illegality
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
J Political Science > JV Colonies and colonization. Emigration and immigration. International migration
K Law > KD England and Wales
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Centre for Health Services Studies
Depositing User: Tony Rees
Date Deposited: 06 Aug 2012 09:52 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:08 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/30036 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Klein, Axel.

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Williams, Lucy.

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