The Changing Scope of Migrant Integration

Zusammenfassung

This paper explores how the meaning and practice (policies, programs and services) of migrant integration in western countries are changing as a result of increases in one or more of the following: refugees, asylum seekers and irregular migrants. It begins by reporting data on the changing face of migration to western countries and then discusses the meaning and dimensions of migrant integration. Drawing on original interview research, the core of the paper comprises case studies of major initiatives of the federal government in Canada and in Germany, the state of California and the city of Barcelona. The paper concludes with some observations about the effects of the changing scope of migrant integration on governance, particularly in federal countries. In this context, the author emphasizes that cities are on the front line in a number of respects but are still often treated as secondary actors within federal systems. This could be corrected through framework agreements, with associated funding, between subnational and city governments with large migrant populations.