The Integration and Protection of Immigrants

In Scandinavian countries immigration is a sensitive issue and legislators’ approach to the questions it has raised has varied over the years. Whatever immigrant and integration policies are adopted in a democratic society, it is clear that the legislation and the authorities have to ensure that the individual rights of the immigrants residing in its territory are respected. With Canada as a point of reference, this book draws attention to weaknesses in the regulation and implementation of integration provisions threatening the immigrants’ individual rights in the EU member states of Denmark, Finland and Sweden. The study challenges readers to critically review the meaning of rights and the notion of global caring. It takes a critical look at how vulnerable immigrants fare in a largely immigrant nation with a welfare capitalism legacy, when compared to three European nations which claim to embrace institutional welfare models. This book will be of great interest to scholars and decision-makers interested in Scandinavian or Canadian immigration and integration policies.

Paul Van Aerschot is adjunct professor (’docent’) of social welfare law at the University of Helsinki, Finland. He has worked recently at the same university as a senior lecturer in social welfare law and earlier as assistant professor and acting professor of administrative law. He has a particular interest in socio-legal studies and has written on aspects of social welfare law and social security. Patricia Daenzer recently retired from McMaster University, School of Social Work, Ontario, Canada, where her academic focus was ’Social Welfare Policy’ with a particular interest in policy issues related to migrant workers, immigrants and refugees. This continues to be the focus of her research, community advocacy and current writing.