Metropolis 2008, Bonn, Germany

Overview of the Conference

This conference will explore the inter-relationships between migration, immigrant integration, and development. The intent is to bring to the foreground issues that are often lost when we discuss these general topics in isolation from one another. In this way we hope to uncover new aspects of Metropolis' traditional areas of interest, new avenues for research, and areas for policy development that have been neglected in the past.

For societies seeking to attract immigrants, integration is of course an important consideration, and will be a key theme of the conference. What does integration mean and what does it entail? How do migration policies affect integration outcomes and policies? For example, if demographic imperatives are paramount, how might this affect a country's approach to integration? Conversely, if migration is seen primarily as a transitional and temporary solution to labour market problems, what implications does that have for integration policies? Or if it is apparent that migration has become more volatile and 'transnational', what does that mean for integration policies? Finally, how have integration policies addressed social and economic discrimination and other barriers to integration? Is there a need for a stronger link between integration and anti-discrimination activities? And is there a competing minority perspective within the prevalent discourse on immigrant integration? If so, how significant is it to the development of policy? [Read more]