U.S. ranked in top ten for immigrant integration policies

A new study that reviews and ranks international immigration policies has placed the United States in 9th place out of 32 countries.

The Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) contrasts and compares integration policies for legal immigrants across countries in Europe and North America. The index uses 148 policy indicators to provide a reference guide and an interactive online tool to help policymakers, advocates and researchers assess and compare integration policies around the globe.

The policy indicators are divided into seven categories: employment opportunities, family reunion, education, political participation, long-term residence, access to citizenship and anti-discrimination. Countries include all 27 EU member states, Norway, Switzerland, Canada, and the US.

The result shows that the United States ranks 9th in terms of integration policies, and 1st in terms of its strong anti-discrimination laws and protections. It also has a high position against other countries about the access to citizenship scale as it encourages newcomers to become citizens in order to fully participate in American public life.

In comparison with other countries, legal immigrants in the U.S. enjoy employment opportunities, educational opportunities, and the opportunity to reunite with close family members the most.

The MIPEX indicates that many US states such as Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington, as well as major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco are leading on immigrant integration through their offices dedicated to welcoming newcomers.

Source: Migration Expert