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An important intervention in one of the most heated issues of recent decades, this book investigates government campaigns to demonstrate toughness on immigration, and the wide-reaching consequences for migrants and citizens alike. engaged research.

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In July 2013, the UK government arranged for a van to drive through parts of London carrying the message ´In the UK illegally? GO HOME or face arrest.´ This book tells the story of what happened next. The vans were short-lived, but they were part of an ongoing trend in government-sponsored communication designed to demonstrate toughness on immigration. The authors set out to explore the effects of such performances: on policy, on public debate, on pro-migrant and anti-racist activism, and on the everyday lives of people in Britain. This book presents their findings, and provides insights into the practice of conducting research on such a charged and sensitive topic.

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1. Introduction
Living Research 1: Why are we doing this? Public sociology and public life
2. Permeable borders, performative politics and public mistrust
Living Research 2: Emotions and research
3. Immigration and the limits of statistical government
Living Research 3: Migration research and the media
4. Spaces and places of governance and resistance
Living Research 4: Ethics in uncomfortable research situations
5. Un/deserving migrants and resisting dehumanisation
Living Research 5: Public anger in research (and social media)
6. Conclusion: ´ordinary´ people and immigration politics
Living Research 6: Collaborations
Afterword by Kiri Kankhwende
Appendix: further details on research methods
Index

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