Description
This paper explores the power of narrative as a means of undermining the hostile environment faced by migrants in the UK. In doing so, it analyses how encounters between migrants, bordering practices and exclusionary policies have been transformed into tools of advocacy through storytelling. By foregrounding narrative as both testimony and intervention, the paper highlights how storytelling amplifies marginalised voices, fosters solidarity, and challenges dominant discourses that frame migrant communities as a threat. Drawing on Levinas’ concept of responsibility for the Other, it argues that stories constitute an ethical endeavour that reveals everyday forms of hostility and inspires collective action. Building on the grey literature produced by migrant rights grassroot movements, the paper draws attention to the use of narrative practices to advocate for more hospitality for migrants. From this perspective, the article reveals an understanding of storytelling as a political strategy and method for critical reflection, coalition-building and change-making across multiple domains of migrant life.
