Introduction

Since the 1980s, the migration issue has returned to the top of the political agenda in various regions of the world, as we see in the evident return to 1920s nativism now taking place in the United States. This politicization of migration and its consequences has led to an over-dramatization, and sometimes an over-mediatization, of the human migration issue. Both migratory flows and the presence of immigrant populations are largely perceived as a cause of insecurity and even as a real threat (Martiniello 2001).

Two significant features mark public debate concerning international migratory movements. Firstly, the emphasis is on real or potential migratory flow and on political and police measures to be brought into force for supranational regulation, in practice to keep the flow at a minimum level. The refugee issue is also on the way to becoming the major preoccupation of politicians and, to a certain extent, of certain sections of public opinion who are particularly aware of the migratory situation. Secondly, a certain “social alarmism” often predominates in these discussions where an essentially negative view of migration is presented and even seen as legitimate. There are many Europeans who accept the “invasion of Europe” doctrine and are ready to fight it. Immigration is thus presented as a fearful plague that must be swiftly vanquished, before it is too late.