Concepts of Immigration and Integration in Urban Areas

Despite attempts by industrialized countries to control the inflow of migrants, millions of people make their way to these regions every year. Historically, immigrants have settled in urban areas, seeking to capitalize on the economic opportunities cities offer. Current trends appear to be no different, although immigrants may be seeking smaller cities or moving away from the "classical" immigrant magnet cities. Either way, adjusting to a new city is no easy task. Immigrants are often faced with language barriers, racial discrimination, unfamiliar cultures, and hostile labor markets that make integration a great challenge. This seminar aims to examine the urban policies, spatial patterns, and attitudes that influence and shape the role migrants play in cities.