Discursive representations of ‘illegal immigration’ in the Irish newsprint media: The domination and multiple facets of the ‘control’ argumentation

Abstract

‘Illegal immigration’ is an intangible entity within Irish society and currently only minimal research has been undertaken on this topic. For multiple reasons, those referred to as ‘illegal immigrants’ are generally voiceless and have few opportunities for self-representation. Nonetheless, various portrayals of ‘illegal immigrants’ stem discursively through key Irish institutions. This article identifies the discourses that are disseminated by the Irish newsprint media and concentrates upon the most common argumentation (topos) forwarded – the ‘control’ of ‘illegal immigration’. This specific argumentation is expressed through a variety of narratives, which are fused with both positive and negative ideologies. However, the majority of ‘control’ texts argue in favour of restrictions on ‘illegal immigration’. Grounded within a Foucauldian and Critical Discourse Analysis framework, this article shows how the ‘control’ topos is linked to broader ideological conceptualizations of governmentality and national identity, which may contribute towards legitimized practices of inequality and exclusion in Ireland.