Institute of European Studies

Most Americans and Europeans in opinion polls say that governments are doing a poor job of selecting wanted newcomers, preventing the entry and stay of unwanted foreigners, and integrating settled immigrants and their children. This seminar reviewed the evidence, asking about the economic and socio-political integration of low-skilled immigrants and their children.

The context for links between immigration and integration is that most European nations have shrinking populations and extensive welfare states that provide support to the elderly and poor from the contributions of currently employed workers. If immigrants and their children add to employment, they can achieve the higher wages and more opportunities most sought inEuropeand help to preserve generous welfare states. However, if immigrants and their children are mostly jobless or out of the labor force, they may add burdens to welfare states.