@article{article_1456805, title={Biometric Technology and Policy Narratives on Migration Control: The Case of Turkey}, journal={Social Review of Technology and Change}, volume={2}, pages={65–84}, year={2024}, author={Karakaya Polat, Rabia}, keywords={interpretive policy analysis, biometric technology, migration control, mobile migration van, policy narratives}, abstract={This paper analyses policy narratives on the use of biometric technology in mobile migration vehicles as a means of surveillance and control over irregular migration. Equipped with biometric control technology and appearing in random places with high migrant concentrations, these vehicles have been put into operation as effective control and surveillance tools. Drawing upon literatures on technological control, migration governance, and interpretive policy analysis (IPA), the paper demonstrates how these vehicles are deployed not only for controlling irregular migration but also for instilling a sense of control to the general public. Comparison of these mobile migration points to the ‘Go Home Van’ campaign in the UK in 2013 reveals interesting differences in their design, function, and public perception. The paper also demonstrates how new technologies enable governments to combine ‘softer’ and ‘more subtle’ approaches in migration control with more coercive measures such as detention and deportation.}, number={1}, publisher={Işık University Press}