Thomas Huddleston, Academic Collaborator, University of Liege.
The major disparities in integration policies around the world reflect the major differences in integration outcomes and attitudes around the world. The Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) is the most comprehensive, reliable and cited benchmark for integration policies. MIPEX argues that a country’s approach to integration matters because these policies influence how integration works as a two-way process. This two-way approach emerges from around 130 independent scientific studies that use MIPEX to investigate if and how these policies can close gaps in key integration outcomes. First, a country’s approach to integration strongly influences the public’s attitudes and behaviour towards immigrants. Integration policies are one of the strongest factors shaping the public’s willingness to accept and interact with immigrants. Second, integration policies are one of strongest factors shaping immigrants’ own attitudes, sense of belonging and even their health in their new home country. A country’s approach to integration also shapes how well immigrants think and feel about their new home country. This presentation will review the links between integration policies and outcomes and identify the potential effectiveness, gaps and recommendations for future policies.
About the speaker
With 17 years of international expertise, Thomas (PhD, Maastricht) is a leading international expert on migration, integration & diversity. He is widely recognized for his original data collection and work on innovation in policy and practice. He currently lectures on immigration policies at the University of Liege (CEDEM). He also engages in mixed methods and participatory action research and community leadership development. His 60+ publications and hundreds of speaking engagements have helped to improve policies across Europe, North America and further afield. His areas of expertise cover migration, integration and citizenship policies for immigrants, refugees and migration-related diversities. Thomas also advises refugee students, universities & volunteers working on refugee resettlement
Venue: https://maastrichtuniversity.zoom.us/j/85072639896
Date: 06 March 2024
Time: 16:00 – 17:00 CET