Preface Southeast Asia has seen major socio-economic and political transition in recent decades and is historically known for its trade routes which come with people movements. Whilst the majority of descendants of indentured labourers from India and China (brought during the colonial times) have integrated within the local societies and became part of the demographic landscape in Southeast Asia, recent population movements have been seen as a ‘threat’ by States in the region. One result is that States have become more rigid in controlling borders based on the concept of ‘migration and border management’. Economic development successes enjoyed by a number of countries in the region, as well as opportunities for employment, relative security and safety, attracts migrants both intra-and cross regional. The last 20 years have seen unprecedent movements of people through Southeast Asia as millions have migrated for better livelihoods and a growing number have been fleeing persecution. Whilst such patterns of migration are nothing new to the region, what does seem to be changing— apart from the increasing scale of the phenomenon—is that States are increasing their efforts to block or criminalise undocumented or irregular migration, reducing the opportunities for people to legally move around. However, more restrictive migration policies in the region are not stemming the flow of migrants but instead are forcing individuals to cross borders illegally, increasing their vulnerability to a whole range of human rights abuses. Restrictive migration policies applied by some States in the region not only affects those crossing the borders but is also impacting the inclusion of those living and moving within national borders. Traditionally, research on migration in the region has tended to focus on the contexts of migration that are dangerous, abusive and exploitative. Irregular migrants and trafficked victims have been well documented, as is how they are vulnerable to mistreatment and discrimination (as they are rarely protected by national laws). However, studies pertaining stateless individuals living in States that do not recognise them as citizens as well as refugees and asylum seekers seem to be lacking. Whilst their individual situations may be different, they are often interlinked and, in some cases, indistinguishable, as in Southeast Asia, when individuals cannot move vii