A postcolonial perspective on illegalized immigration in Switzerland:
On deportations, the «exchange with Africa» and the fear of reverse colonization
In her text, Francesca Falk connects contemporary illegalized immigration and the postcolonial constellation in Switzerland. In a short historical outline she inquires into the history of deportation camps, recognizing similarities between the past treatment of «foreign travellers» and current practices illegalized immigrants are confronted with. It’s no coincidence that the disciplinary practices employed historically against travellers in Europe resemble colonial practices. Further she explores the colonial origins of everyday racism experienced by migrants, showing how migration policies in Switzerland are informed by colonial stereotypes and embedded in neocolonial structures.