Immigrant integration has become a prominent issue in contemporary political debates and public policy analysis. The objective of facilitating newcomers' participation in the economic, social, and political life of receiving societies presents particular challenges in federal countries. The multidimensional nature of immigrant integration means that policies and programs often become issues of multilevel governance. In federations with one or more national minorities, newcomers can alter the linguistic balance and affect subnational communities' efforts to obtain greater autonomy.


This volume analyzes immigrant integration policies and the implications for governance in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States. Leading experts review recent developments in their respective countries and current public policies and programs in three categories: selection/admission, economic and social integration, and civic and political integration (including naturalization). These analyses show that the integration of immigrants is an ongoing process that extends beyond the initial years of settlement in a new country, involving the actions of different governments, non-governmental organizations and others. By examining a range of policy and governance issues from the perspective of federalism, this volume fills a gap in the literature on immigrant integration. It will interest not only academics and researchers but also political representatives and public servants concerned with these important topics.