ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we examine populations on the move from their places of origin as they face severe challenges, whether as refugees, citizens, or migrants, when relocating to new areas. Refugee and migrant communities, for example, exist within a hierarchy of belonging that prevents them from accessing the same opportunities as citizens. During integration, the discriminatory practices of host communities and state apparatus cause adverse reactions in members of refugee and migrant communities, as well as in their families. We also explore the stories of chit or enclave people to break the binary distinction of sedentary versus immobile people. We draw on narratives regarding the integration of enclave or “new citizens” in North Bengal, India. The data collected in North Bengal, especially in various relocated camps of former chit people, suggest a nuanced understanding of the rights of those who are indeed citizens, yet lead lives of “half” or noncitizens.
