Integration Requirements for Immigrants in Europe: A Legal-Philosophical Inquiry

This book argues that the recent proliferation of integration requirements in Europe is counterproductive and creates barriers to participation and inclusion for newcomers, leading to status hierarchies between native-born and immigrant citizens. The remedy is a firewall that disconnects integration policy from access to rights.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate realm of integration requirements as crucial conditions for attaining increased rights in Europe, particularly in the context of family migration, permanent residency, and citizenship. Through a rigorous legal-philosophical research process, enriched by insightful empirical case studies, the author presents three central claims that shed light on the evolving landscape of integration policies.

Firstly, the book argues that the recent proliferation of mandatory integration requirements can be attributed to a shift towards individualized conceptions of integration. This shift, the author contends, is counterproductive as it creates barriers to participation and inclusion for newcomers, who are likely to permanently settle in the host countries. Moreover, this approach is normatively problematic as it perpetuates status hierarchies between native-born and immigrant citizens, undermining the principles of equality and social cohesion.

To address this predicament, the book proposes a firewall that disconnects integration policy from access to rights. This firewall aims to ensure that integration measures are not used as tools to restrict the rights of immigrants but rather as means to promote their full participation in society. By separating integration from rights, the book seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable environment where immigrants can thrive and contribute to the diverse fabric of European societies.

The book draws on perspectives on immigrant integration from multiple EU Member States, providing a comprehensive analysis of the diverse legal and political reactions to the refugee/migrant crisis. It explores the challenges and opportunities that arise in the context of managing immigration flows, promoting social cohesion, and ensuring the rights and well-being of immigrants. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of integration policies and their impact on the lives of individuals and communities.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate on integration policies in Europe. By challenging the dominant individualized conception of integration and advocating for a firewall that disconnects integration policy from access to rights, the author offers a transformative vision for a more inclusive and equitable society. The book's insights and recommendations will be of interest to policymakers, researchers, and practitioners alike, as they seek to navigate the complex terrain of immigrant integration in the 21st century.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509950072