Paper short abstract:

This presentation delves into what it means to be political in the context of Chile through the eyes of migrant activists. Drawing from ethnographic work, I analyze their belonging narratives and citizenship claims; sometimes as political subjectivity, others understood as political commitment.

Paper long abstract:

This presentation explores the political landscape in Chile, focusing on migrant activists. Based on ethnographic research with over 12 migrant organizations across Chile, I examine their narratives of belonging and citizenship claims. The fact that the notion of citizenship was vigorously sustained by formally non-citizens was interesting to me and led me to ask, as a starting point, what it meant for them to use this notion.

Migration challenges democratic societies to address inclusivity, xenophobia, and racism. This highlights the need for policies balancing democratic principles with globalization realities. Understanding migrants' defiance against a discriminatory society involves considering the political order, specifically Chile's transition to democracy and its impact on social movements.

The political formation within migrant organizations raises questions about the meaning of citizenship for them and its implications for democratization in Chile.

This papers responds to the importance of portraying the rich variety of the citizenship notions encountered, from political subjectivity to commitment, often intertwined with dignity and the pursuit of a more dignified life. Ordinary works of care, mutual assitance and festive protests within these organizations serve as new arenas of political contention and belonging; street, carnival and community centres serve as a spaces where an alternative narrative and citizenship for those excluded from the national narrative in contemporary Chile.