This article critically assesses the role pro-immigrant allies play in shaping immigrant struggles for their greater rights. Drawing from original data collected in Italy between 2013 and 2014, it analyzes the conflict-laden organization of “A Day without Us,” a mass mobilization that took place in Italy on March 1, 2010. It explains how ideological divides, competing mobilization frames, and struggles for legitimacy among pro-immigrant groups play a key role in influencing mobilization strategies and outcomes, as do the mechanisms of marginalization of immigrant activists. This study improves understandings of immigrant political mobilization as it shows the ways in which pro-immigrant groups may reduce the scope and effectiveness of immigrants’ rights claims in receiving societies. © The Author(s) 2018.

immigrant rights movements pro-immigrant allies conflicts

ideology organizational framework social movement Italy mobilization human rights social conflict immigrant population