Coloniality non/belonging and aspirations of racialised migrant youth

This paper explores how 20 Black African youth who migrated to Newcastle, Australia, under various circumstances, including as students, dependents of skilled migrants, or refugees, navigate exclusion and construct belonging. Using coloniality as a theoretical lens, the findings reveal that young people with temporary residency experienced a sense of non-belonging due to restricted rights, limited resources, and precarious work conditions. Even those with citizenship reported exclusion, particularly in the labour market, where racialised barriers undermined their aspirations. Despite these challenges, young people resisted coloniality by pursuing education, contributing to their communities, and fostering connections through family and kinship. Some aimed to return home after enduring their current hardships, while others sought belonging within Australia. This paper highlights the enduring impact of coloniality on exclusion and aspirations while showcasing the resilience of racialised migrant youth.