“First and Final Wish? Get Some Documents”: Irregularisation of Migration and Projecting Possibility of Return from Poland

Migration can by grasped analytically as the outcome of individual’s aspirations and state policies. Irregular(ised) migration, thus, can be researched through the lens of bordering practices producing irregularity and migrants’ decisions to navigate among insecurities and opportunities stemming from the multitude of factors. Research on irregularised migration rarely regards Central and Eastern Europe. In this study, we look at the nexus between becoming (and threats of becoming) an irregular migrant in Poland and projecting possible return to the country of origin. Drawing on 31 interviews with migrants with different statuses experiencing Poland’s migration system (including pushbacks on the border with Belarus), we attempt to establish the link as follows. Firstly, we analyse the interplay between the policies of both countries (of origin and destination) and the migrants’ decisions which resulted or may result in their irregular stay in Poland. Secondly, we trace their declared projects about the future to understand how the experiences from the past and potential threats shape their envisaged possibility of return or further migration. In the result, we argue that there is a limited impact of the state policies on the very act of migration, however, the policies strongly shape the migrants’ well-being and integration prospects. Moreover, the analysis points out some strategies the migrants undertake to navigate through the uncertainty and threats of irregularisation, mostly based on social links and pushing away thoughts about insecurities. In conclusion, it seems that more attention for affects and emotional features is needed in the research often focused on formal impact of state policies. The research is a part of GAPs Horizon Europe project.