When the Set of Known Opportunities Broadens: Aspirations and Imagined Futures of Undocumented Migrants Applying for Regularization

Abstract

This qualitative study describes the aspirations that led migrants to stay in Switzerland for more than 10 years in an irregular residence situation and how their aspirations are transformed with the implementation of a regularization program. The prospect of regularization allows undocumented migrants to project themselves more positively into the future. However, there are important differences between young adults, those with children in Switzerland, those living in transnational families, elderly migrants and single parents.

Keywords

• migration
• undocumented migrants
• aspirations
• regularization
• operation papyrus