Pulling human rights back in? local authorities, international law and the reception of undocumented migrants

摘要: The category of the ‘irregular’ migrant is usually seen as quintessential non-status under international law, offering states plenty discretion while providing few practically accessible rights for migrants. At same time, certain local authorities have struggled to justify more pragmatic responses when dealing with reception irregular immigrants. This article explores a recent trend that potentially holds key both conundrums: invocation human in their defence, by authorities. More specifically, engagement can force institutions apply and develop norms this area. Within story legal pluralism, nation are increasing pressure live up standards they had previously avoided. Two examples ‘frontier cities’ operating very different constitutional discursive environments will be used substantiate argument. first concerns support city Utrecht case concerning emergency social assistance undocumented migrants before European Committee Social Rights. second example San Francisco sanctuary US place long history localization law. closes critical reflection on potential trajectories might take what means understandings pluralism well future research.