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States and Refugee Integration: a Comparative Analysis of France, Germany, and Switzerland

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Listed:
  • Scott Feinstein

    (Iowa State University)

  • Cristina Poleacovschi

    (Iowa State University)

  • Riley Drake

    (Iowa State University)

  • Leslie Ann Winters

    (Iowa State University)

Abstract

The Syrian civil war led to mass migration and Europe becoming a potential site of refuge. How have Syrians experienced refuge in Europe? Drawing on 58 interviews with Syrian refugees in Germany, France, and Switzerland, we find that refugees continue to experience exclusion in all integration domains including those found as markers and means, social connections, facilitators, and foundations of integration . While our cases demonstrate that Syrian refugees in Europe experience discrimination across all domains, not all conditions are equal. Using narrative analysis, differences were observed within three integration domains. Accessing language programs was more challenging in France, finding housing was more challenging in Germany, and F type residence permits limited refugees’ rights in Switzerland more than in other countries. Discrimination across domains is deepening the socio-cultural-economic divide between autochthonous communities and Syrian refugees, but not all domains are equally divisive across countries. The findings outline that where these states outsourced refugee services, refugees experienced increased barriers to integration.

Suggested Citation

  • Scott Feinstein & Cristina Poleacovschi & Riley Drake & Leslie Ann Winters, 2022. "States and Refugee Integration: a Comparative Analysis of France, Germany, and Switzerland," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 2167-2194, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:23:y:2022:i:4:d:10.1007_s12134-021-00929-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-021-00929-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Julien Puech & François Yondre & Jane Freedman, 2023. "Typology of European Sports Programmes for Welcoming Migrants: Contrasting Political Philosophies," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 24(3), pages 1381-1411, September.

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