Immigration from the Immigrants’ Perspective: Analyzing Survey Data Collected among Immigrants and Host Society Members

Abstract

Immigration has been one of the most crucial global phenomena, changing the fabric of many societies, and a topic of substantial research. Much of this research has focused on how the host society views immigrants and immigration, or on the societal factors influencing the latter. The goal of this thematic issue is to present different studies focusing on various aspects of immigration from a perspective that has not been often viewed under the magnifying glass so far, but which is of major importance: looking at immigration from the immigrants’ point of view.

Acting in the spirit of the whole : Expatriate careers between the poles of personal intentions and of company and country policies

“…While many studies focus on expatriates' perceptions of the host country, host population, employer, or police, their perceptions of immigration policies have not been adequately researched (Becker, 2019;Ramos et al, 2019). Chapter 14 is devoted to the transformation of migration policy in the United Kingdom in the wake of BREXIT.…”

Wanderlust to wonderland? : Exploring key issues in expatriate careers: Individual, organizational, and societal insights

“…While many studies focus on expatriates' perceptions of the host country, host population, employer, or police, their perceptions of immigration policies have not been adequately researched (Becker, 2019;Ramos et al, 2019). Chapter 14 is devoted to the transformation of migration policy in the United Kingdom in the wake of BREXIT.…”

What do immigrants make of immigration policies? Insights from interviews with Venezuelans in Chile

“…Immigrant attitudes and perceptions of other immigrants and of immigration‐related policies that might affect them have not been significantly studied (Becker, 2019; Ramos et al, 2019). On the one hand, their positionality complicates the analysis.…”

“…On the one hand, their positionality complicates the analysis. Immigrants occupy a liminal space; natives define them as newcomers, in many cases, they are trying to incorporate and become part of the receiving society, and at the same time, they might feel threatened by newer immigrants (Ramos et al, 2019). On the other, as non‐citizens, immigrants are generally not able to participate in policymaking; thus, their opinions might not be considered as relevant.…”

“…At the same time, researchers have argued that immigrant participation in migration policy development can be beneficial for the development of more just immigration policies and in general for democracy (Mármora, 2002; Castles, 2004). Immigrants’ perception of immigration policies, however, has not been sufficiently researched (Becker, 2019; Ramos et al, 2019). Existing research of immigrant attitudes towards other immigrants and immigration policy presents contradictory results, highlighting the complexity of this issue (Becker, 2019; Knoll, 2012; Stringer, 2018).…”