Intergovernmental Relations on Immigrant Integration in Multi-Level States

This book explores how governments in multi-level states coordinate immigrant integration policies, highlighting the potential for conflict or cooperation and the factors that shape different approaches to migrants. It examines four multi-level states: two federal and two decentralized, and finds that intergovernmental dynamics are shaped by party politics, constitutional power struggles, and other factors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Immigrant integration is a crucial policy area for governments, particularly in multi-level states where immigration policies are often decentralized to substate regions. This decentralization can lead to conflict or cooperation, depending on various factors such as political dynamics, economic interests, and cultural differences. This book explores how governments in multi-level states coordinate immigrant integration policies and examines the factors that shape different approaches to migrants.

The analysis focuses on four multi-level states: two federal countries (Canada and Belgium) and two decentralized countries (Italy and Spain). The authors examine intergovernmental dynamics on immigrant integration and identify a range of factors that influence these dynamics. These factors include party politics, constitutional power struggles, regional differences, and demographic factors.

The book finds that intergovernmental dynamics on immigrant integration are shaped by a complex interplay of factors. In federal countries, such as Canada and Belgium, the central government plays a more active role in coordinating immigrant integration policies, while substate regions have more autonomy to develop their own approaches. In decentralized countries, such as Italy and Spain, the central government has less influence over immigrant integration policies, and substate regions are responsible for developing their own policies.

The authors argue that the decentralization of immigrant integration to substate regions can lead to conflict or cooperation, depending on the factors that shape these dynamics. For example, in federal countries, the central government may have more power to set national standards and policies, while substate regions may have more flexibility to tailor policies to their specific needs and circumstances. In decentralized countries, the central government may have less power to set national standards, but substate regions may have more resources and expertise to develop effective policies.

The book also highlights the importance of considering the experiences of migrants in different regions when developing immigrant integration policies. The experiences of migrants in one part of a state may be radically different from the experiences of migrants in another. For example, migrants from different regions of the world may have different cultural backgrounds, languages, and religious beliefs, which can impact their integration into society.

The authors conclude that the coordination of immigrant integration policies in multi-level states is complex and multifaceted. It requires a nuanced understanding of the political, economic, and cultural factors that shape these dynamics and a willingness to work across levels of government to develop effective policies. The book contributes to our understanding of intergovernmental relations in multi-level systems and enhances our knowledge of the myriad ways in which different regions seek to include migrants into their societies, economies, and political systems.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367774790