The ethics and politics of migration research

In this response, we caution against making 'irregular migrants' the object of investigation. Instead, we suggest that a focus on encounters, rather than on becoming, offers a more productive and ethical approach. By considering the relationality of affective and ethical encounters, we can identify not only how migrants become subject to particular state categories, but also how these encounters shape people's ways of knowing the state and each other. This knowledge is situated, embodied, and-most importantly-offers the possibility for political action and change.