Long-term needs to achieve social inclusionary pathways for migrants

The stimulation of integration processes is often blurred by the short-term orientation of local action and policy strategies. However, the achievement of inclusionary pathways for migrants in local community life requires a sustained commitment by local actors and the creation of meaningful perspectives for newcomers. The present chapter deepens the analysis of the narrative of long-term integration needs for the case study of Vorarlberg (Austria), which has a long experience of migration. Analyses of the past and present regional action, with material collected from interviews with local actors and migrants, are used to assess the procedural aspects of integration activities, instruments, and commitment. Language acquisition and labour integration are usually perceived as prime tasks for anchoring migrants in local communities, yet strengthening social ties requires supplementary local activities. The analysis of a mountain region pays particular attention to the long-term nature of commitment and emphasizes the social dimension of inclusionary processes.