This chapter, after having introduced the activities of the Italian Society of Applied Anthropology and the plurality of approaches, postures and methodologies that characterizes it, focuses on the complex nexus between migration, policies and anthropological perspectives. Differently than "development", this is a field where reflections is still needed and I argue that using professional reflexivity on the problems (time, lack of flexibility, objectification) as much as on the opportunity to champion anthropological approaches, constitutes a useful process for the design of anthropological contributions to migration and asylum policies. It is an ongoing but fruitful process.