Local Integration of Migrants Policy

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. New Challenges in Local Migrant Integration Policy in Europe

   Jochen Franzke, José M. Ruano de la Fuente

   Abstract

   In this introductory chapter, the editors describe the main theoretical basis of analysis of this book and the methodological approach. The core of this book consists of 14 country-specific chapters, which allow a European comparison and show the increasing variance in migration policy approaches within and between European countries. The degree of local autonomy, the level of centralisation and the traditional forms of migration policy are factors that especially influence the possibilities for local authorities to formulate their own integration policies.

3. Chapter 2. Between Central Control and Local Autonomy: The Changing Role of Swedish Municipalities in the Implementation of Integration Policies

   Christine Hudson, Katarina Giritli-Nygren, Gustav Lidén, Linda Sandberg

   Abstract

   Swedish migration policy has undergone dramatic changes and has moved from being one of the most generous policies to the minimum EU level. Traditionally refugee reception has been a policy area with a strong tradition of collaboration between national and local government with decentralized decision-making. The role of local government has, however, altered in the face of greater centralization and harder national government steering. This chapter provides a broad picture of Swedish local government’s responsibilities, the changing nature of the role it has played and is playing with regard to refugee reception and integration policies and the challenges it currently faces.

4. Chapter 3. The Norwegian Case: Integration Through Local Autonomy and Institutionalization

   Susanne Søholt, Kristian Rose Tronstad

   Abstract

   Norway ranks among the European countries with the highest immigration relative to population size. While the state controls immigration policy, the municipalities are in charge of integration. Compared to other countries, integration works reasonably well in Norway when it comes to income, education and labour market participation. However, there are persistent gaps between the majority and the minority population, and considerable differences in refugee integration outcomes between municipalities, challenging the balance between state control and municipal autonomy in integration questions.

5. Chapter 4. Finland’s Immigration Policy: State Objectives, Local Solutions

   Saara Koikkalainen

   Abstract

   Finland, a Nordic welfare state has traditionally been a country of emigration. Despite the rapid internationalisation of the previous decades, the size of the foreign-born population is low in comparison with more populous European countries. The geo-political location of Finland at the Northern edge of Europe, and as a neighbour of Russia with a tight border enforcement system, has largely prevented any larger refugee movements towards the country. The emphasis on local solutions provides opportunities for flexible, context-specific integration activities that are tailored to the needs of the immigrants and the local communities.

6. Chapter 5. The Swiss Rationale of Integration Policies: Balancing Federalism, Consociationalism and Direct Democracy

   Stefanie Kurt, Gianni D’Amato

   Abstract

   The following chapter summarizes from a historical perspective recent developments of Swiss migration policy with a particular focus to the challenges given by the federal system and direct democracy on the local level of integration policy. It starts with a comprehensive historical summary on the rationales of immigration to Switzerland and continues with an institutional analysis of Swiss migration policies, setting the focus on federalism, consociationalism and direct democracy, and the consequences for the local actors. The authors highlight examples of current local initiatives, due to the absence of in-depths studies on the effectiveness and the impact of these policies on the local level. Thus, it follows a short overview based on the first study on migration and public opinion on migrants. Finally, the article concludes with remarks on the current integration framework with a particular emphasis on the cantonal and municipal actors, suggesting more studies to be done in the future with regard to local integration policies.

7. Chapter 6. Migration in the Netherlands: Threats and Opportunities

   Laurens Jonathan Zwaan

   Abstract

   The chapter shows how the Dutch as a nation grew and flourished through migration. At the same time migration could be the answer to the problem of a shrinking and aging population. The challenge of regulating the influx of migrants depends on national policymaking. The integration of newcomers within our society, however, rests on local shoulders. It is at local level where the challenges and good practices of integration are found and where the opportunities migrants bring to the Dutch are manifest. At the same time a more concise policy is needed to manage the threats.

8. Chapter 7. Germany: From Denied Immigration to Integration of Migrants

   Jochen Franzke

   Abstract

   The chapter begins with a brief historical overview of Germany’s transition in the twentieth and twenty-first century from a transit and emigration country to one of immigration. The next part of this chapter looks at the challenges and problems facing German immigration policy within a multi-level federal system. Finally, the chapter gives an analysis of some of the trends in German migration policy since the refugee crisis in 2015, such as changes in the party system and in the concepts underlying migration policies to better manage, control and limit immigration to Germany.

9. Chapter 8. Ireland’s Evolving Migrant Policy: Recurring Rhetoric, Sporadic Action

   Bríd Quinn

   Abstract

   It is only since the 1990s that migration has been of real concern in Ireland. Emigration was long a feature of Ireland’s demography but recent decades witnessed an influx of migrants. Gradually, a coherent migrant policy has emerged, focussed on integration and multi-culturalism. Although Ireland has a centralised system, local government plays an important role in the delivery of migrant policy. This chapter reviews the evolution of that policy, its legal and philosophical basis and its responsiveness to socio-economic and cultural change. While practical and attitudinal challenges persist, innovation and good practice are emerging at local government level.

10. Chapter 9. Reception of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in France: Between Rigour and Humanism

    Christophe Bonnotte, Michel Sénimon

    Abstract

    The French system of reception and integration of foreigners, refugees or migrants, seeks a balance between the protection to be granted to vulnerable persons, in the respect of the tradition of welcome which France claims, and rigor as to the respect of the conditions of entry and stay in France. The system of reception and integration of migrants and refugees is characterised by its complexity involving different categories of public and private actors: it is based on collaboration between the State, local authorities and NGOs. This collaboration, essential to the effectiveness of the device, is recent and fragile.

11. Chapter 10. Immigration and Integration Policies in Poland: Institutional, Political and Social Perspectives

    Małgorzata Molęda-Zdziech, Marta Pachocka, Dominik Wach

    Abstract

    This chapter presents the immigration and integration policies in Poland in recent years in various aspects—institutional, political and social. It explores the issues of immigration to Poland, the situation of foreigners and immigrants, and their integration within Polish society. It focuses on the integration activities and policies dedicated to foreigners, including those implemented by both central and local authorities as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs). This interdisciplinary paper reflects different theoretical approaches and scientific disciplines represented by its authors, both researchers and practitioners, including migration studies, sociology, political science, public policy and media studies.

12. Chapter 11. Slovenian Migration Management at the Local Level

    Uroš Pinterič

    Abstract

    Despite migration is hardly anything new in the historical perspective, it often brings lots of stress to the national and sub-national governments. Territory of Slovenia is historical migration crossroad, where not only nations but also civilisations often meet or clashed. In this perspective country has reach history in managing migration, which does not necessarily contribute to the ability to manage the newcomers in a proper manner. The chapter is analysing the 2015 migration wave in Slovenia in the perspective of legal, political and human perspective with the tendency to point out the disorientation of the institutional system, unexpected situation occurs.

13. Chapter 12. Local Integration Policy of Migrants in Croatia: In Search of Coherence and Capacity

    Ivan Koprić, Goranka Lalić Novak, Teo Giljević

    Abstract

    History have endowed Croatia with historical experience of multi-ethnicity, multi-confessionalism, and multi-culturalism. This experience is a favourable condition for well-designed and friendly integration policy of migrants. However, frequent political changes, conflicts, and wars in this part of Europe indicate that previous attempts to build a society tolerant to diversity might be unsuccessful. The relatively low number of immigrants directed the integration policy mainly at the refugee population. As Croatia is a heavily centralised country, formulation and implementation of integration policy is mainly done at the central level, while local and regional self-governments have few competences.

14. Chapter 13. Romania’s Policy of Migration and Integration: Unattractive Host Nation and Alternative Transit Route

    Iulia-Sabina Joja

    Abstract

    The challenges Romania’s migration policy faces occur on several levels and infer long-term implications for both Romania’s and the European policy-making. This chapter offers an analysis of the migration politics and policy of Romania in terms of attempted integration programmes, failures and lessons learnt. It shows how the politically ambiguous stance directly affected the country’s EU position on migration, the public perception, as well as the integration policy and how cooperation with the nongovernmental sector is key for a successful integration policy.

15. Chapter 14. Challenges of Immigrant Integration in Spanish Local Governments

    José M. Ruano de la Fuente

    Abstract

    The chapter analyses the evolution of migratory flows in Spain over the last few decades and how both the definition of migratory policy by the responsible authorities and the perceptions and attitudes of the population in the face of the migratory phenomenon oscillate depending on the economic climate of the country. Furthermore, the chapter shows the multilevel characteristics of migration policy, how the different territorial administrations have shared responsibilities and how specifically the municipalities are the gateway to assistance and integration programmes for immigrants and refugees, and develop specific schemes which are more or less developed depending on their institutional capacity.

16. Chapter 15. Internal Geopolitics and Migration Policies in Italy

    Giuseppe Bettoni, Isabella Tamponi

    Abstract

    As a member of the European Union, Italy has experienced profound changes in the field of immigration management not only due to the increase in migratory flows, but also because of its geographical position. Here we examine how the geopolitical evolution of the Mediterranean has exposed the ineffectiveness of the Dublin Regulation. The chapter explains how the last three administrations have profoundly changed the country’s political line in this sector, moving decisively to a system that criminalises immigration and above all frames structures such as NGOs and various volunteer associations as acting outside of the boundaries of the law.

17. Chapter 16. Public Opinion on Migration and the Role of the Media in the Context of the “European Refugee Crisis”

    Saara Koikkalainen, Niko Pyrhönen, Östen Wahlbeck

    Abstract

    This chapter focuses on public opinion on migration and its media coverage. During the “European refugee crisis”, migration was politicized and its media coverage varied across European countries with their unique geopolitical situations and histories of receiving migrants and refugees. Members of the public often overestimate migrant numbers and base their opinion on what they imagine the dominant type of migration to be. Media portrayals of migrants either as a burden or as a resource, for example, can shape public views. The local context is important, as numbers of migrants living in each region and city vary. Providing correct statistical information, stressing the diversity of current migration patterns and taking part in public discussions are ways for influencing attitudes at the local level.

18. Chapter 17. Integrating Immigrants: Capacities and Challenges for Local Authorities in Europe

    Jochen Franzke

    Abstract

    This chapter focuses on the relationship between public opinion on migration and its media coverage. Different explanatory models, including individual characteristics, cultural factors and the impact of media and politics, have been proposed to explain public attitudes towards migrants. Understanding the local context is important, as the shares of migrants living in each region and city vary considerably. Providing correct statistical information, stressing the diversity of current migration patterns in Europe and taking part in media and public discussions are ways in which to impact public attitudes at the local level.

19. Chapter 18. Conclusions: An Overview of Local Migrant Integration Policies in Europe

    Jochen Franzke, José M. Ruano de la Fuente

    Abstract

    As expected, the traditions of national-state migration policies continue to play a very important role, path-dependence in this policy field remains high. The distribution of competences in migration policy and the integration of migrants in the nation states continues to be very different. When implementing integration strategies at grassroots level, the respective policies should be tailored to the profile of both the local migrant community and the native population. Besides better migration management in local administration and the interaction of top-down and bottom-up efforts to integrate migrants is of importance.

20. Backmatter