What is Assimilation

Integration of immigrants is at the forefront of policy concerns in many countries. Simultaneously, there is an increasing focus on the role of the receiving society for achieving a higher degree of integration of immigrants. In recent decades, the successful integration of immigrants into a host country's society, economy, and polity has become a major issue for policymakers. For social cohesion and inclusive growth and the ability of migrants to become self-reliant, productive citizens the integration of immigrants and of their children is vibrant. This chapter identifies various dimensions and indicators involved in integration of immigrants into a host society. There are always concerns about successful integration; however, this is not determined solely by the actions immigrants take and the resources they possess. The reception—supportive, neutral, or negative—they receive from the host community plays a critical role. In this direction, this chapter also highlights various challenges and gaps that are involved in immigrant integration.