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Melissa Siegel

@melissasiegel.bsky.social

42 followers 17 following 17 posts

Professor of Migration Studies @ Maastricht University & the United Nations University-MERIT, Migration Specialist, Policy Specialist

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Melissa Siegel is an American academic specialising in migration. She is professor of migration studies at the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance and UNU-MERIT where she has also been head of the migration and development research section since 2010. .. more

Political science 38%

Sociology 33%

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Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · 1d

Back by popular demand, this new vlog is out! This time with a little twist, as I take you on a trip with me to Georgia. @umsbe.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social @unumerit.bsky.social
youtu.be/Hk76_AcMaOo

Vlog: Come with me to Georgia: A week in the life of a Uni Professor

YouTube video by Melissa Siegel

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Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · 16d

📢 We hear a lot about #migration and #migrants, but little about the different types of migrants and migration. I discuss an often forgotten group - #IDPs (internally displaced persons), who IDPs are, how they are different from #refugees & specific challenges they face.

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What are IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) and Why are There More Today?

YouTube video by Melissa Siegel

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Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · Sep 8

📢 In the current global political climate, development aid and its merits have been widely debated.
But what exactly is development aid, how is it being used? And what is the future?
📽️
@umsbe.bsky.social @unumerit.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social
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What is happening with Development Aid?

YouTube video by Melissa Siegel

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Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · Jul 30

#Passports have grown in tandem with global inequalities, opening some doors while shutting others. I explore how #passports and #citizenship shape our #mobility: who can move freely, and who can’t. @maastrichtu.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social @unumerit.bsky.social
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The Power of Passports

YouTube video by Melissa Siegel

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Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · Jul 21

Today, I had the opportunity to talk about the unprecedented #deportation crisis of #Afghans from Iran on TRT World and @The_Newsmakers. You can see the full episode here: youtu.be/bXzoaLbNVgg?...
@unumerit.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social

Iran's silent purge: Why a million Afghans are being expelled

YouTube video by The Newsmakers

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Reposted by Bruno Martorano

Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · Jul 21

🎉 I'm excited to share that our new paper (with Tobi Hillenbran, Bruno Martorano, and Laura Metzger) "Humanitarian concerns and threat perceptions: An analysis of the key drivers of refugee attitudes in Germany" has been published in Migration Studies!
academic.oup.com/migration/ar...

Humanitarian concerns and threat perceptions: An analysis of the key drivers of refugee attitudes in Germany

Abstract. Public perceptions of humanitarian migration are shaped by conflicting sentiments, balancing perceived threats against humanitarian responsibilit

academic.oup.com

Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · Jul 15

🎥For this week's video, I decided to do something a little different, vlog style. Here I talk a bit about my work and take you on a work trip with me to Armenia. Let me know if you like this kind of content.

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Vlog: A Week in the Life of University Professor: Summer School in Armenia

YouTube video by Melissa Siegel

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Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · Jun 17

#Migration policies often claim to be neutral, but neutrality can reinforce existing #inequalities. This video explains how migration policies can move from harmful to transformative. @unumerit.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social
youtu.be/i4qTT-XEdGU

Gender Responsive Migration Policies

YouTube video by Melissa Siegel

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Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · Jun 5

📣 How can people who return to their country after migrating reintegrate successfully? In my latest video, I explain the concept of sustainable #return for #migrants into their home countries.
@umsbe.bsky.social @unumerit.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social
Check out!
🔗 www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jjp...

What is Sustainable Return Migration?

YouTube video by Melissa Siegel

www.youtube.com

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Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · Apr 29

📣If you don't know the difference between #migration, #Immigration and #emigration, this video is for you! youtu.be/nAfJtf0jTmY

Difference Between Migration, Immigration and Emigration

YouTube video by Melissa Siegel

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Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · Apr 29

Ever wondered if simply sharing neutral facts about refugees could unintentionally shape attitudes? Tobias Hillenbrand, Bruno Martorano, and myself explores exactly this in: "Not as innocent as it seems? The effects of 'neutral' messaging on refugee attitudes."

🔗 unu-merit.nl/publications...

UNU-MERIT staff » Publications

unu-merit.nl

Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · Apr 15

📣 Migration as a weapon? Here, I break down how migration flows can be strategically manipulated as leverage—whether to destabilize neighbors, gain political concessions, or control territory. #migration @unumerit.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social
youtu.be/jcXLTd4DlPk

What is the Weaponization of Migration?

YouTube video by Melissa Siegel

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Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · Mar 21

🌍What are 'Safe Third Countries'? It's a crucial but controversial topic in #asylum and #refugee policies.🎥This video dives into the complexities and criticisms surrounding this idea, and how it affects people seeking safety worldwide.🌏@unumerit.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social
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What are "Safe Third Countries" in Migration Policy?

YouTube video by Melissa Siegel

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Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · Mar 21

🗣🎬What is the key to issuing a successful Diaspora Bond?💵 Find out in this new video where I discuss this as well as examples of successes and failures. #diaspora #diasporabonds #migration #development @unumerit.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social
youtu.be/rnRu1QiLYDU

Diaspora Bonds: What Makes Them Successful

YouTube video by Melissa Siegel

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Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · Mar 21

For over a decade, the Migration Management Diploma Program (MMDP) @unumerit.bsky.social has trained #migration professionals with the knowledge, skills, and networks to navigate complex policy challenges. In this blog we reflect on the program driving meaningful change.
📄 go.unu.edu/ysQ54

MMDP 2025: A Journey in Migration Management Training

This post marks the beginning of a new blog series documenting the Migration Management Diploma Programme (MMDP) at UNU-MERIT.

go.unu.edu

Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · Mar 21

📢 📽️ #displacement around the world continues to grow. For understanding how many people are currently displaced because of war, conflict and persecution as well as where they are coming from and where they are hosted check out this new video. #refugees #asylum #asylumseeker youtu.be/mCdxTufwGCA

How many refugees are there and where are they hosted? Forced Migration Update

YouTube video by Melissa Siegel

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Melissa Siegel @melissasiegel.bsky.social · Mar 21

📽️Pushbacks at Borders—What Are They, and Why Are They So Controversial? I explain the concept of pushbacks, highlights their legal and humanitarian implications, and discusses how they are being used worldwide. youtu.be/MUM-4KGvKGs
@unumerit.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social

What are Pushbacks (During Migration)?

YouTube video by Melissa Siegel

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