Integration Experiences of Newcomers Across the Prairies: Untangling Perceived Dichotomy Between Immigrants and New-to-Towns
Abstract
Despite the lack of a shared definition of integration, this concept word addresses the physical, psychological, and social progress of newcomers, and more. Newcomers are both immigrants and new-to-town individuals, meaning those who have relocated within Canada from other provinces or regions. By exploring literature and lived experiences, this research examines how accurately models of integration reflect and represent the views and experiences of newcomers. Our qualitative case study uses thematic coding of in-depth interviews with newcomers and settlement organizations. Results suggest that models and factors of integration do not fully or effectively reflect the process and desires of newcomers. Though new-to-town individuals possess advantages in their relocation process (e.g., not having to learn a new language or build a cultural foundation in their new location), they do not meet nor do they aspire to meet all the various factors and considerations of integration included in the models. Newcomers seek first to meet their own core needs followed by self-directed needs. In this article, an acculturation model is put forward that encompasses dynamics of individual newcomers’ peculiarities of circumstances. The conclusion is two-fold: Newcomers place priority on immediate core needs and strive to meet other needs leading to place attachment; and their sense of belonging can be brought into question with experiences of discrimination and racism.
Notes
Community organizations
NA
Gaps identified
NA
Key recommendations
NA
Key findings
Upon arrival, all newcomers meet their immediate physical or core needs, which are similar between both groups of newcomers (foreign nationals and new-to-town individuals): language, housing, and employment. New-to-town individuals often have a language advantage such that language is not hampering their integration. After core needs are met, newcomers pursue ways to meet their self-directed needs. Newcomers largely focus on their own priorities and challenges.
Key populations
Newcomers (in a broad sense)
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
Duration of residence in the rural community: recent arrival = under 2 years, arrival between 2 and 5 years, and settling = more than 5 years.
Location
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta
Open-access – No