Abstract

Although it is typical to think about borders as lines drawn on maps, facts or edges of space, this ethnographic research on Malta’s borders regime reveals several ways in which this border simplification requires critical engagement.

In this presentation, Lisa Senecal aims to problematize that simplification; she relies on the experiences of a diverse group of border-crossers who migrated to Malta and whom she met there between 2021 and 2023. She will build the case that border-crossers share some surprising commonalities despite the circumstances of their migrations – and that it is those circumstances, more than the act of migrating, that defines “who is a migrant” in the European context.

Lisa will conclude there is always a cost to crossing borders; revealing the differentials of those costs – inequalities that are purposefully crafted. She concludes that borders have transformative and affective consequences which relate with the physicality of borders but materialize the metaphysical impact (often obscured) that borders have. Borders order and structure physical and social life; they influence, control and regulate mobility. They divide physically, institutionally, conceptually and emotionally. Finally, Lisa will conclude that although it is common to refer to “the border” as a singular entity, borders are multiple. And this multiplicity operates according to imperial logics that have historical precedents. Lisa's hope is that the audience will leave this presentation more aware and critical of borders in their everyday life.