Immigration and illegality: foreigners' informal activities

Alain Morice, Immigration and illegality: foreigners' informal activities The informal/shadow economy is frequently praised as an alternative solution for the development in Third World cities. However in rich countries, it is viewed with more suspicion and, in the context of a growing xenophobia, is generally associated with uncontrolled immigration. Consequently a stigmatisation of foreigners can be observed, especially of those undocumented. Such hostile an opinion relies on misunderstandings regarding the real functioning of the informal networks, underpined by logics of solidarity as well as other creative aspects, through mechanisms involving dependence, submission and exploitation.