EUROPEAN IMMIGRATION STRATEGIES

Abstract

Europe is currently experiencing the largest migration of people since World War II. Research indicates mass migration is unlikely to slow in the coming years given increasing effects from push/pull factors of regional conflict, globalization, increasing stratification in worldwide societies, and limited natural resources. Individuals resettling in Europe come from different socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, religions, and educations, as compared to the majority populations residing in European host nations. Social convergence between residents of Europe and newly established migrants in this environment become a friction point for potential conflict and societal unrest. European social and economic stability is crucial to the United States given that many of the nations are key allies and members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance. Migrant integration strategies vary within Europe. The most widely used models in practice in Europe for migrant integration are assimilation and multiculturalism. The purpose of the thesis is to understand how European migrant integration efforts are experienced by immigrants, why some migrant integration models are more successful than others, and ultimately what key drivers are required for sustained social and economic stability. The goal of this examination is to understand what was done well, what was not done well, and what can be learned from these events to plan for current and future migrant integration efforts in Europe. Integration is experienced at the local level and in the context of native environments. For this reason, a comparative case study was conducted to analyze European migrant integration strategy effectiveness in Paris, France (assimilationist approach) and Stuttgart, Germany (multiculturalist approach). The context and environment of the two case studies are distinctly different - France being defined by its colonial legacy, while Germany is defined by its federalist model post-World War II. The strategies of the two locations additionally conform to separate tactics evidenced wherein Stuttgart takes a systemic approach (cradle to grave), while Paris is disparate or altogether hands off. Factors of analysis and areas of research for the two case studies within the investigation include: identity, policy, economics, and education. The research demonstrates six key drivers contribute to successful migrant integration: policy model (integration/multiculturalism); equal rights and religious protections mandated by law; strategic integration policy (comprehensive at national to local levels); intercultural collaborative space; education and training; and residential diversity policy.