|
Aiseda Newsletter |
|
|
Creating a welcoming communityHow successfully members of migrant populations are integrating into American societies continues to be an important question, due in part to concerns to improve social cohesion and security. While it is widely acknowledged that the successful integration of refugees into the local America communities is of benefit to all (refugees, host communities, governments, economies), the distinct climate of intolerance among some community members is having a negative impact on the integration process of refugees. What is clear is that where refugees are marginalized - through negative media reporting, political antipathy, insecure economic status, a lack of educational and employment opportunities, and/or hostility from local communities - there is less integration. Those who feel threatened or excluded from the host community, instead of striving to belong, may seek to emphasize their difference through isolating themselves in their own communities and may also be more open to radical influences. What is also clear is that some government regulations and policies such as the current Indiana state BMV policy towards non English speaker drivers’ license requirement would solve nothing but undermine integration process.
Due to the forced nature of their migration and their experiences, compared with other migrant groups, refugees will often have specific needs that have to be met in order to support their integration. They will usually be one of the most vulnerable groups in society while also being the most resilient. It is therefore important that the special needs of refugees are recognized in integration policies and practice, including those of specific groups such as women and children, within an overall policy of mainstreaming.
The debate across America communities often places the onus on the refugees to integrate them-selves, but the need to approach the integration of refugees is a two-way process between the refugees and the host communities. It should be collective efforts through community collations. Coalitions are among the vehicles that can foster effective and meaningful collaborations in order to tackle the numerous challenges and opportunities associated with socio-economic, cultural and demographic change. These involve public-private partnerships that reach across levels of government and include a broad array of non-governmental organizations, as well as institutions and individuals from many different segments of our community; resources should be devoted to integration-focused interventions through training opportunities, which could lead to systemic change.
I consider this as continuous long-term process in enabling refugees and their host communities to live in harmony. Refugee integration therefore places demands both on receiving communities and on the individuals concerned.
The development of an inclusive and welcoming community is a key prerequisite to the successful integration of refugees. I am convinced that when our host communities have a better understanding of the reasons why refugees are forced to flee and why refugee protection is a moral and legal obligation of all community members, then, the community will strive to create an environment and the conditions within which refugees can rebuild their lives. However, the creation of a welcoming community that encourages and fosters the integration of refugees will require determined action on a number of fronts:
Socio-economic integration Although asylum has nothing to do with meeting a country's economic or demographic needs, refugees' contribution to America’s social and economic life is to be welcomed. The reality is that refugees face unique barriers to socio-economic integration resulting from their experiences of flight and involuntary exile.
Failure by the resettlement agencies to address barriers to socio-economic integration can result in the marginalization of refugees and impact negatively on community as a whole. Refugees should be given sufficient educational and language provision to be able to speak the language of the country of asylum, including appropriate access to educational institutions and the labor market, so they can participate fully in community.
In fact many refugees arriving in America are highly qualified, from professional backgrounds and successful in their home countries, but they have difficulties in getting their qualifications and work experience recognized. American system of recognition of previous experience and qualifications should be set up to promote equal and fair recognition standards for third country qualifications. In addition, refugees should be able to access tailor-made and mainstream vocational training and education in a learned profession and have opportunities to re-qualify, in order to adapt their skills and experience to America labor market requirements.
Civic integration Civic integration aims to achieve the conditions for, and the actual participation of, refugees in the civic life of America and it is promoted by access to citizenship and political rights. The acquisition of citizenship remains the most potent measure of civic integration into America community by foreign refugees. Participation in the political decision-making process promotes integration and sense of belonging in countries that give refugees the right to vote and stand for elections, refugee issues are placed higher on the political agenda with politicians becoming more responsive and aware of the concerns of this group.
Cultural integration Culture is not a static concept where one person can only feel allegiance to one country can speak only one language or understand only one culture. If a refugee is only accepted as fully integrated when he/she has absorbed all the aspects of a cultural identity typically associated with nationals of the host community, integration becomes impossible as this would mean ignoring all aspects of their original culture. Refugees and indeed all persons can combine pieces of identity from a number of different cultural backgrounds and have multiple or transnational identities. Cultural diversity is a characteristic feature of today’s democratic communities.
Successful cultural integration requires a common understanding of the core values that underlie the cultures of democratic America. These are human rights, the principle of equality, the protection of minorities, democracy, the separation of state and church, and the rule of law. At the same time America need to promote cultural awareness and sensitivity as well as knowledge of and contact with the many different cultures within its communities.
Refugees have important responsibilities to ensure successful integration into American communities. If refugees are received by welcoming communities and given adequate support, if they are empowered and enabled to make the most of their own resources and skills, they will more easily fulfill those responsibilities. Only through such a dynamic two way process of integration, where all parties recognize and meet their responsibilities, will cohesive communities be built in America, Fort Wayne is a great home for these new Hoosiers, let us all come together and welcome them with open hearth!! Africans, Burmese and Latinos enjoys the benefit of AISEDA in Fort Wayne Community. Celebrating Diversity, enhancing inclusiveness in greater Fort Wayne
For More Information Contact: |
|
|
![[Under Construction]](images/undercon.gif)
