La situación de los inmigrantes en los países de acogida: problemática de la integración

This article looks at the problems of integration experienced by immigrants from the Maghreb. Economic, social, political and cultural aspects all influence integration. In the labour market, immigrants tend to target sectors which demand minimal professional qualifications and offer salaries below those of the non-immigrant population. In the social arena, two aspects stand out; schooling and housing. The children of immigrants experience difficulties at school due to material and social conditions, but also as a result of cultural diversity. As regards housing, immigrants tend to gravitate towards certain neighbourhoods which, at times, can give rise to the impression of an “invasion”. In the political sphere, the possibility of participation is limited, leading to the situation of “less rights”, unless the host country’s nationality is adopted, which in itself does not guarantee better integration. The right to culture receives less recognition, but nevertheless has a significant effect on integration. The main obstacles to integration are located in the labour market and in social discrimination. Lastly, reference is made to the situation of these immigrants in Spain.