Bridging Borders: The Transformation of Border and Asylum Policies and the Impact on Social Work Practice

Abstract

Este capítulo examina la evolución histórica y contemporánea de las políticas de fronteras y asilo, desde antecedentes antiguos hasta la actualidad, con especial foco en la integración europea y en desarrollos recientes como la crisis migratoria europea de 2015 y el Nuevo Pacto sobre Migración y Asilo. Analiza cómo estos cambios afectan la práctica del trabajo social, al modificar marcos de protección, acceso a derechos y condiciones de intervención con personas migrantes y solicitantes de asilo.This chapter examines the complex evolution of bordering and asylum policies, tracing their development from antiquity to the present day, with a particular focus on European integration and recent developments such as the 2015 European migrant crisis and the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. It explores the intricate relationship between these policies and social work practice, highlighting the challenges faced by practitioners in navigating increasingly complex legal frameworks while upholding professional ethics and values. The chapter presents two case studies: the EU's response to Ukrainian refugees and the implications of the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum. These examples illustrate the dynamic nature of migration governance and its impact on vulnerable populations. The discussion emphasises the need for culturally sensitive and rights-based approaches in social work, advocating for sustainable integration strategies and enhanced cross-border cooperation. By analysing historical trajectories, current policies, and emerging trends, this chapter provides critical insights into the evolving landscape of migration management and its implications for social work practice in an increasingly interconnected world.