Introduction

This introductory chapter sets the scene for the central issue discussed in this book: how states deal with criminal migrants in limbo. The chapter argues that these ‘undesirable but unremovable migrants,’ even though they form a highly diverse group, are worth studying on their own, for several reasons. Undesirable but unremovable migrants present governments with a persistent issue for which no easy solutions exist. Moreover, because of their proven or alleged involvement in crime, undesirable but unremovable migrants often cause a stir and attract disproportionate attention relative to their numbers. Finally, in the portrayal of undesirable migrants as being ‘criminal,’ often nuance is lost. The chapter positions the study and defines its scope, explains the methodology and approach, and gives an outline of the different parts and chapters in the book.