Legal Labels and the Social Perception of African Displacees in Israel

Abstract

Legal labels have become central to the global debates about refugees and displaced people. Following the expansion of rights-oriented rhetoric generally, advocates for migrants and refugees have increasingly framed their arguments in rights-oriented terms. Indeed, some believe that the language of human rights is generally an effective rhetorical device for realizing social-justice objectives. We analyze the legal labels that are used to describe and regulate displaced Africans in Israel: both positive labels drawing on human rights law, and negative labels related to criminality and animosity. We argue that the strategic use of these positive legal labels based on refugee and human rights commitments can backfire, strengthening exclusionary attitudes and threat perceptions toward this community. We suggest alternative framings that might better achieve advocates’ goal of protection.