Different dimensions of opportunity – formal political institutions, state’s relation to new actors, and the existence of influential allies – is studied by diverse methods. First, we conduct expert interviews with key figures structuring the mobility of people in different Swiss cities and regions in order to observe processes of definition, evaluation, and negotiation of skills in relation with immigration in Switzerland. Second, we use participant observation and biographical interviews to observe how institutional practices are experienced and challenged by individuals. Third, we analyse data representative for the recently arrived skilled population in Switzerland coming from the joint NCCR Migration-Mobility Survey. We are especially interested in questions concerning the relationship between migrants’ background and their interest and activity in civic engagement and transnational connections. The content of claims, who is given voice to speak in the name of skilled migrants will inform our inquiry into understanding of the category of “highly-skilled migrants” and the degree of access to the public space.
