Migration and Borders. Empirical patterns and theoretical implications in the case of Spain

Abstract

In the last decade, the analysis of irregular migration and migration control has led to a fruitful debate among disciplines in the social sciences. At the heart of this discussion, which has also resulted in new dialogue between migration and border studies, lie the new functions and spatial dimensions of border action. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the connection between migration and border studies by considering the role given to borders when analyzing international mobility, with the backdrop provided by the analysis of migration control initiatives undertaken along the southern border of Europe and in Spain over the last decade. An empirical analysis of the Spanish case puts forth a series of considerations concerning the scope that the study of border control can have on the expansion of migration theory.