Integrating and welcoming: access for Haitian refugees and immigrants to universities

Abstract

Considering the growth of migrations and characteristics that involve the insertion of these people into the new country, especially in the labor market, this paper analyzes how this population gets welcomed and integrated into the educational context of Brazil. This study aimed to verify the process of accepting and integrating Haitian refugee and immigrant students into undergraduate courses of the Brazilian Federal Universities. The research focuses on the country’s southern region, universities that have an agreement with the Sérgio Vieira de Mello Chair (CSVM), and specific selection processes for immigrants and refugees. It questions whether the notices published by universities instituting a unique selection process for refugees and immigrants are sufficient to integrate these students into the educational context. Therefore, through multiple case studies, this qualitative research verified that universities have isolated actions of reception and integration, demonstrating that, however much these students gain access to educational environments, there is still a lack of policies that integrate them. Thus, some actions proposed may become unified among universities. If applied jointly, it will have more strength and guide new efforts, such as the provision of language accessibility programs before the beginning of the school year, activities aimed against xenophobic and discriminatory behaviors, and training on human rights and migrations for university employees. Finally, it presents a research agenda that suggests some points to explore in future studies.