Research Library

A place to call home? Recent immigrant integration experiences in Lethbridge, Alberta

Abstract
The settlement and integration of immigrants is a common policy focus for governments and researchers across the world. In Canada, its relevancy has only increased over recent decades; it is incorporated in official rhetoric and studies regularly examine the integrative experiences of newcomers. Still, most of these studies occur in the context of Canada’s largest and most diverse cities. In this thesis I examine the settlement experiences of recent landed immigrants in Lethbridge—a small Albertan city—utilizing mixed methods research. Using an adapted version of Tom Kuhlman’s (1991) conceptual framework, this study examines the socioeconomic, social, and structural aspects of integration, ultimately finding that while Lethbridge generally fosters integration as outlined by official rhetoric, there remain significant gaps between groups. Analyses especially highlight the crucial roles that community support, length of residence, and admission class play in determining settlement outcomes of recent immigrants in Lethbridge, Alberta.
Authors: Sydney Cabanas Publication Date:

Publication Type: Thesis

URL:https://www.proquest.com/docview/2318799899/abstract/1E72BD09450844F2PQ/1
Notes

Key populations

  • recent immigrants

Integration timeline

At most 6 years at the time of study

Community organizations

Gaps identified

  • See if there is a correlation between network closeness and outcomes/accessibility of information
  • Study has small sample size and was recruited by word of mouth at events; immigrants that do not attend such events would not be aware of this study
  • Questionnaires were only translated into English and Arabic, and interviews were only conducted in English, presenting a language barrier in participation

Key findings

  • Refugees, as well as Muslim individuals, are more vulnerable to worse outcomes overall, and highly skilled immigrants have better outcomes, but perception of opportunities were reversed
  • Securing employment is thought to be the first step to survival, and a stepping stone to further settling down
  • Lack of information resulted in less access of programs to assist educated newcomers, and may receive less support and information in comparison to others, resulting in feelings of exclusion
  • Many newcomers reported not spending much time with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, though the majority indicated that they would be open to do so. Language barriers may play a role in this.
  • Lethbridge was viewed as a welcoming city overall, though there are gaps in securing employment, as well as housing
  • Settlement services, as well as personal networks were utilized for assistance. Low information was found to be a reason of not accessing settlement services

Key recommendations

  • Increase hiring of immigrants in social service systems, in order for feelings of representation, cultural sensitivity, and empathy
  • Cultural sensitivity training for homeowners, and employers
  • Hire consultants that are immigrants, in order to understand newcomer needs, as well as increased accessibility
  • Increase access to services for non-permanent residents, as well as increase funding to social service organizations
  • Education and awareness for members of the community that are not immigrants, about newcomers

Location

  • Lethbridge
  • Alberta

Open-access – Yes


ISBN: 9781687983688
Collections resettlement-integration

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