Integration amid segregation : an analysis of immigration within the European Union

Abstract

People move. The reasons for moving have been, and still are, highly varied. Why do so many people choose to leave their country in search for a better future at a distant land far from their country of origin? People may move to flee from persecution, natural disasters, racial conflict, human rights abuses, to better their economic situation, or simply to change environment. These are indicators of the conditions of society, whether economic, democratic development, level of trust in government, and so on. But there are barriers which the migrants may encounter during this process or migration. This, in a nutshell, condenses the various conflicting and opposing facets which constitute the phenomenon of immigration and highlights the motives that bring to the fore the subject of assimilation on the political, social and cultural agenda. Europe, with its declining population, is going through vital changes in a globalised world. European member states are finding it increasingly challenging to keep their nations open to third parties. This challenge is the reason why the issues of migration and integration takes place. There is fear of the perception of negative effects that immigration might have on liberal states including the economic and social aspects The primary aim of this thesis is to analyse the political and social developments within the European Union regarding immigration and explore these themes in five EU Member States. The thesis finally recommends that the EU adopts a clear and fixed immigration conceptual framework which would form the basis of any action taken in this sensitive and highly political and social issue.