MRS No. 64 - Immobility as the ultimate “migration disrupter”

In this Migration Research Series paper, Marie McAuliffe examines the widespread and unprecedented imposition of movement restrictions by governments in an attempt to limit COVID-19 transmission and infection, with particular reference to the ongoing securitization of migration. In the current context of growing misinformation, increasing unilateral “strongman” politics, and massive technological change, she offers an initial reflection as to whether extraordinary measures are likely to become ordinary, and the implications for human rights and mobility, before then discussing the need to re-think and de-link migration and mobility with reference to the opportunities and challenges presented by COVID-19.