Immigrant access to social protection in the Netherlands has changed markedly over time, interlinked with the changing composition of immigrant inflows, government policies and shifting societal notions of “fairness” towards both documented and undocumented migrants. The relationship between migrants and social protection is still marked by asymmetries and a mismatch in entitlements and contributions.

A Day in a Life of Laryssa follows an undocumented immigrant from Suriname, young single mother Laryssa, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Fleeing violence and failing economy in her homeland, Laryssa fled to Netherlands in hopes of a better life where she gave birth to a baby girl. Laryssa’s daily life is focused on a struggle to remain in the country and to ensure a safe future for her child.