Border Crossing

Front Matter and Table of Contents

Border Crossing Team — 2025-05-11

Table contents

Editorial Board

Journal information

Migrant Women and Dehumanization

Selen Abalı — 2025-05-11

Dehumanization refers to the process of perceiving an individual or a group as inferior by stripping them of human qualities. This process is rooted in the denial of identity and community membership of those subjected to dehumanization. It involves a tendency to view individuals not as independent beings but as less human entities that may pose a threat to society. Often associated with violence in the literature, dehumanization legitimizes mistreatment and aggression against those who are not regarded as fully human. Migrants and women are frequently subjected to dehumanization, and migrant women, situated at the intersection of these identities, often experience compounded forms of discrimination and exclusion. This study seeks to offer a comprehensive account of dehumanization and to explore the underlying mechanisms through which migrants and women are subjected to it, drawing on illustrative examples from existing literature. The study reflects on the interplay of migration, media, political discourse, migration policies, empathy, social integration, and psychological resilience, with a particular focus on the experiences of migrant women in media representation and the labor market. Although dehumanization has emerged as a critical theme in migration research, the specific experiences of migrant women remain markedly underexplored. By addressing this gap, the study aims to enrich the existing literature and foster greater academic engagement with the issue.

Migration Dynamics: Navigating Challenges, Seizing Opportunities, and Enhancing Emotional and Social Well-being

Siti Sarawati Johar — 2025-05-11

Migration is a complex and multifaceted process that significantly impacts the emotional and social well-being of individuals. This paper explores the dynamics of migration, focusing on navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities it presents. Migrants often face significant pre-migration stressors, including exposure to armed conflict and economic hardships, leading to trauma and long-term psychological issues. The migration journey itself is fraught with dangers, including violence, exploitation, and separation from family, further exacerbating emotional distress. Post-migration barriers, such as difficulties in accessing healthcare, poor living conditions, and discrimination, contribute to ongoing stress and anxiety among migrants. Despite these challenges, migration also offers substantial opportunities for both migrants and host societies. Migrants contribute to economic growth through their labor and entrepreneurial activities, enrich host societies with cultural diversity, and foster social integration through community support and engagement. Case studies from Europe and the Middle East illustrate the varied experiences of migrants and the responses of host countries. This study emphasizes the need for inclusive policies and accessible mental health services to address the unique emotional and social needs of migrants, fostering their successful integration and overall well-being. By recognizing and valuing the contributions of migrants, societies can create more inclusive and resilient communities that benefit everyone.

The Role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the Urban Adaptation and Socio-Academic Integration of Immigrant Students: The Case of Istanbul

Meryem Altundal — 2025-05-11

This study examines the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the urban adaptation and socio-academic integration processes of immigrant students studying in Istanbul. Based on a literature-driven analysis, the research identifies the opportunities digital tools offer in areas such as language learning, social connection, and academic achievement. It highlights structural barriers including digital inequality, lack of multilingual content, and limited digital literacy. The study argues that ICT can be a strategic tool for integration when supported by inclusive content, digital literacy training, and participatory policies.

Statelessness and Migration in the Turkish System

Güven Şeker — 2025-05-11

This research discusses the legal structures and policy interventions in Turkey related to the phenomenon of statelessness. In this context, individuals do not have citizenship and encounter serious obstacles in accessing fundamental rights and services. Situated at the intersection of Europe and Asia, Turkey receives enormous migration influxes, further complicating the issues of statelessness. The nation has enacted laws to recognize and protect stateless individuals, providing them with identity documents that grant access to essential services like health and work. However, systemic discrepancies, administrative tardiness, and low public knowledge impede the effective social integration and equal treatment of these individuals. The study contrasts 19 key Turkish legal texts with international law and academic commentary to determine how much Turkey's approach aligns with international norms. Although Turkey has ratified the 1954 Convention on Statelessness, it has yet to accede to the 1961 Convention, including its prevention provisions, specifically for children born to stateless individuals. This is putting large numbers of individuals, among them Syrian refugees, in a position of legal limbo. The study recommends that Turkey ratify the 1961 Convention, ease the procedures for ascertaining statelessness, enhance education campaigns on the rights of stateless persons, and develop comprehensive strategies for addressing the root causes. By embracing best practices from around the world and strengthening its legal framework, Turkey has the potential to become a leader in combating statelessness and ensuring equitable treatment for all individuals subject to its jurisdiction.