ABSTRACT
As argued throughout this book, one should take care not to regard irregular migrants as mere ‘victims’. Although irregular migrants do obviously experience limitations, a ‘victim perspective’ can obstruct our understanding of the ways they manage to improve their situation and realise their aspirations (see also Devillé 2006; Paspalanova 2006; Van Nieuwenhuyze 2009). The present chapter seeks to answer the question of what forms of capital irregular migrants need to realise their aspirations. Realisation of their aspirations is closely connected to the extent to which they are able to mobilise and enforce resources like social, cultural economic capital (see Bourdieu 1986). Numerous studies have explored the significance of different forms of capital for irregular migrants. Their findings are worthwhile, yet ambiguous.
