Local Responses to Migrants with Precarious Status. Frames, Strategies and Evolving Practices in Europe

Abstract

This conceptual paper maps the field for an upcoming comparative research project on pathways of migrants with precarious status to local welfare services in three European cities: Cardiff, Frankfurt and Vienna. Recently, an increasing number of cities across Europe have developed strategies to include migrants with precarious status, often contrasting with restrictive national policies. They provide access to certain key services, such as education, healthcare, housing, safe reporting of crime or support in the protection of labour rights. While some municipalities actively promote their inclusive approach to all city residents under a variety of brands - ranging from human rights or inclusive cities to welcoming, solidarity or sanctuary cities - others are refraining from highlighting the services provided to precarious migrants or doing so at arms-length through civil society organisations (CSOs).