ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the role of the liberal democratic theoretical framework as currently understood in banal dehumanisation of noncitizens, and implications for the institutional and social frameworks based upon it. The banal dehumanisation of 'unwanted' noncitizens can be seen in several languages' colloquial references to irregular immigrants and stateless persons. Banal dehumanisation also takes place in the construction of an atmosphere that assumes some persons to be appropriately omitted from consideration. This occurs with respect to noncitizens far away from, at the borders of, and within, the States in question. The banal dehumanisation is a pervasive force that affects how all sorts of relationships can be developed and envisaged across society. Banal dehumanisation cannot, however, only be understood with regard to how resultant policies affect physical realities. It is also part of a process that gives rise to conditions which in turn contribute to further banal dehumanisation.
