The Alliance views the successful integration of immigrant populations as both an important goal in itself, and as a key objective in improving cross-cultural relations and inter-communal harmony globally.

The way in which immigrant communities view themselves reflects the diversity, complexity, and constantly evolving nature of identity in the modern world. Perceptions and treatment of immigrants by the countries they adopt as their homes determines in large measure the success of their integration and that of their children.

Well integrated immigrant communities possess a unique insight into cultural differences and similarities across diverse populations. As such, they are uniquely qualified to help improve cross-cultural relations and understanding. Poorly integrated immigrant communities can give way to feelings of alienation, resentment, and a tendency toward extremism, even in second- and third- generation immigrant populations.

The promise and the challenge of immigrant integration is readily apparent in the experience of Muslim immigrant populations around the world. Notwithstanding massive and long-established Muslim minority populations in countries such as India, China, and Russia, Muslim immigrant integration in Western Europe and the United States is a more recent phenomenon that has met with varying degrees of success. Some of the greatest challenges have arisen in Europe where, largely due to immigration, the number of Muslims has doubled in the last decade and now accounts for 5% of the total population of the European Union.
The Alliance seeks to engage policy-makers, civil society leaders, and advocates, including networks of immigrant populations, with the goal of identifying approaches that contribute to the successful integration of Muslim immigrants in Western Europe.

Download the Research Paper on Migration