Vienna Centre for Migration & Law (VCML)

 

About VCML

 

The Vienna Centre for Migration & Law (VCML) aims to advance innovative research on migration law and the social and political dynamics in immigration societies.

 

The VCML takes a comparative, interdisciplinary approach and looks at migration law and processes, with a specific focus on the human rights of migrants. It encourages research on migration law and the dynamics of immigration societies. Additionally, it seeks to promote dialogue between different stakeholders in academia, the judiciary, civil society, and politics.

 

To this end, the VCML studies migration in a global context but specifically focuses on the legal framework and societal dynamics in Europe and Austria. We particularly emphasize the role and agency of migrants themselves.

 

The VCML focuses on migration law and covers topics related to labor, education, and family migration, forced migration, as well as the legal and societal aspects of the economic, social, and political integration of migrants. This broad, interdisciplinary focus is reflected in three main research areas ("streams"):

 

Global Mobility – International Protection – Modes of Belonging

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  • Global Mobility

    Global Mobility:

    This stream is dedicated to the complex legal framework of international migration movements and their impact, covering the dynamics and regulation of labor, education and family migration, as well as border control and freedom of movement. The research examines how law and politics impact the international movement of people and its effects on migrants and the societies of origin and destination. The economic, legal, and conditions of global migration, as well as the role of cross-border migration networks and private actors in migration processes, are of particular interest.

  • International Protection

    International Protection:

    This stream will focus on analyzing the rights and obligations involved in the granting of international protection. We are interested in understanding the interaction between national, European, and international regulations that govern forced migration, including the implementation of the reformed Common European Asylum System (CEAS) at a national level. The emphasis will be on the standards of international protection, with legal, social, and political factors playing a central role. Additionally, we will explore the emergence of new challenges brought about by climate change and geopolitical shifts, as well as the various practices of cooperation and externalization of responsibilities.

  • Modes of Belonging

    Modes of Belonging:

    The third stream focuses on the legal and social processes of integration in immigration societies. It explores the role of the law in promoting an inclusive society and examines the conditions under which belonging and social cohesion are successful in immigration societies. This involves studying legal mechanisms for establishing the belonging of migrants, as well as the opportunities for multiple affiliations with both the country of origin and the country of residence. We are particularly interested in citizenship law, the rights of migrants to participate, and social practices of inclusion such as empowerment, representation, and education, as well as exclusion, including discrimination and racism.

The "Vienna Centre for Migration & Law" provides a platform for scientific exchange, interdisciplinary discussions and engagement with practitioners. It supports innovative research on the legal framework and social dynamics in immigration societies, and aims to contribute to the advancement of migration law and policy in Austria and Europe.

 

Scientific Board:          Anuscheh Farahat

                                       Anne Kühler

                                       Julia Kienast