Riassunto. L’articolo si propone due obiettivi. In primo luogo intende approfondire il tema del ritorno dei confini, illustrandone l’articolazione a diversi livelli e il funzionamento selettivo, come effetto di un regime neo-liberale di governo della mobilità umana: un regime che incorpora disuguaglianze profonde nella distribuzione del diritto a muoversi attraverso i confini. Il caso dei respingimenti al confine con la Bosnia e la responsabilità dell’agenzia Frontex verranno approfonditi per illustrare il funzionamento della vigilanza sulle frontiere da parte dell’UE. La pandemia inoltre ha favorito il rafforzamento di misure di restrizione degli accessi dei migranti indesiderati nei paesi sviluppati. In secondo luogo, l’articolo rivolge lo sguardo agli attori e alle iniziative che cercano di aprire spazi di solidarietà e accoglienza nei confronti dei migranti e dei richiedenti asilo, contestando sul piano pratico l’assolutizzazione dei confini e l’esclusione di chi bussa alle porte del Nord del mondo. Tra i molti esempi possibili, ne vengono trattati due: le cosiddette “città santuario” e i corridoi umanitari. A partire da questi esempi sarà sviluppato nelle conclusioni il concetto di “solidarietà contro i confini”.

Abstract The article has two objectives. First of all, it intends to deepen the theme of the return of borders, illustrating its articulation at different levels and its selective functioning, as an effect of a neo-liberal regime of government of human mobility: a regime that incorporates profound inequalities in the distribution of the right to move across borders. The case of push-backs at the border with Bosnia and the responsibility of the Frontex agency will be investigated to illustrate the functioning of border surveillance by the EU. The pandemic has also favored the strengthening of measures to restrict the access of unwanted migrants in developed countries. Secondly, the article looks at the actors and initiatives that try to open spaces of solidarity and welcome towards migrants and asylum seekers, challenging on a practical level the absolutization of borders and the exclusion of those who knock on gates to the North of the world. Among the many possible examples, two are discussed: the so-called "sanctuary cities" and the humanitarian corridors. Starting from these examples, the concept of “solidarity against borders” will be developed in the conclusions.

Resumo Os apoiadores de migrantes irregulares desempenham um papel importante nas interações entre migrantes irregulares e o estado. Este artigo tem como objetivo esclarecer a variedade de atores envolvidos no apoio a migrantes irregulares e que tipo de ajuda eles fornecem. O artigo pergunta se esse tipo de ajuda deve ser visto como puramente humanitário ou como uma forma de ação política; e descreve uma escala que varia de ajuda prática a ajuda política. No meio a formas híbrida de ajuda, enfatiza como as práticas cotidianas podem ser consideradas políticas de maneira sutil ou indireta.

Abstract Supporters of irregular migrants play an important role in the interactions between irregular migrants and the state. This article aims to shed light on the variety of actors involved in the support of irregular migrants and what kind of help they provide. The article asks whether this kind of help should be seen as purely humanitarian or as a form of political action; and describes a scale ranging from practical help to political help. With forms of hybrid help in between, to emphasize how everyday practices can be considered political in subtle or indirect ways.

Abstract: The arrival of a significant number of refugees is perceived and depicted in Italy as identical to that which occurred in the rest of Europe, as a grave danger and an invasion that is must be addressed. The perception of massive migratory phenomenon are also thought of as something that must be contained at all cost. The key aim of this article is to counter that scenario, showing the very small statistical incidence of asylum-seekers in contrast to immigration in its entirety, which for years has been essentially stable. The paper also examines, from a critical perspective, European policies surrounding the recent agreement with Turkey and the so-called "Migration Compact" The analysis of the distance between appearances and reality becomes a more theoretical reflection: receiving societies select the migrants that they receive, taking in a portion with few problems and seeking to reject others. Interweaving the two dimensions of formal authorization and social recognition, the article examines four cases: exclusion, stigmatization, tolerance and integration.

Resumen: La llegada de refugiados en gran cantidad es percibida y representada en Italia, al igual que en el resto de Europa, como un peligro grave y una invasión que es preciso afrontar. Incluso, ha surgido la idea de los fenómenos migratorios gigantescos, que deben ser contenidos a toda costa. El objetivo principal del artículo es desbaratar ese escenario al mostrar la poca incidencia estadística de los solicitantes de asilo en contraste con la inmigración en su conjunto, que durante años ha sido básicamente estable. Examina también en modo crítico las políticas europeas referentes al reciente acuerdo con Turquía y la denominada "Migration Compact". El análisis de la distancia entre la representación y la realidad se traduce en una reflexión más teórica: las sociedades receptoras seleccionan los migrantes que reciben, acogen una parte sin demasiados problemas e intentan rechazar otras. Al entrelazar las dos dimensiones de la autorización formal y el reconocimiento social, el artículo identifica cuatro casos: la exclusión, la estigmatización, la tolerancia y la integración.