Mass Migration, Tightening Borders, and Emerging Forms of Statelessness in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden

Abstract

This article examines the respective Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish responses to the Syrian refugee crisis. Using the framework of Hannah Arendt's theories on statelessness, I explore recent legislation and social policies created by these nation-states in efforts to tighten borders and securitize what would have historically been a humanitarian response. I argue that these legislative changes and restrictive policies represent heightened securitization of borders and by design restrict the access and movement of Syrian refugees into Scandinavia. These increased securitization measures present new challenges to the conditions for and future prospects of citizenship by naturalization for migrants and have increased statelessness among already vulnerable populations.