We as nations of the world must find a way to integrate migrants and refugees especially into our societies. This includes providing housing on a scale of millions, giving them work to pay for that housing, and implementing social support programs to give them a back up net for if they fall. If done right, the successful integration of refugees and migrants could be incredibly beneficial to economic progress and cultural enrichment.
For younger refugees, it's crucial to provide some form of education access to allow them to obtain the skills necessary to work. Giving refugees access to work gives them purpose everyday, keeping them away from the crime that many citizens fear. We also need to provide language classes to refugees to learn the language of their new host country. It's important to note that refugees coming to a new country want to work.
When integrating refugees in society, a key note to consider is their education and skill set. If you toss a farmer into a booming city where most work is technical, they aren’t likely to fair as well as they might have if they were put to work in agriculture. The conflict that comes here is the difference between integration and assimilation. Examples of assimilation type policies include tests to see if the migrant has adopted social norms of their host country resulting in the loss of their previous cultural identity. We need to allow refugees to express themselves to the fullest and make them feel welcome.
When integrating refugees in society, a key note to consider is their education and skill set. If you toss a farmer into a booming city where most work is technical, they aren’t likely to fair as well as they might have if they were put to work in agriculture. The conflict that comes here is the difference between integration and assimilation. Examples of assimilation type policies include tests to see if the migrant has adopted social norms of their host country resulting in the loss of their previous cultural identity. We need to allow refugees to express themselves to the fullest and make them feel welcome.
More on social cohesion:
TED gives eight useful tips on how to help refugees in your local community. The methods range from active and working with refugees to ways you can help just by supporting certain programs vocally.
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Here is a TED Talk on the importance of providing education to refugees, allowing them to thrive rather than just survive.
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Article on the difference between integration and assimilation of refugees and the importance of cultural identity and diversity.
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