Children of Migration in the European Union and the United States: A Comprehensive Examination of Research Findings and Policy Implications

Migration is a global phenomenon that has been increasing in recent years. In 2020, there were an estimated 281 million international migrants worldwide, accounting for 3.6% of the world's population (United Nations, 2020). Among these migrants, children make up a significant proportion. In the European Union (EU),for example, children of foreign-born parents account for 17% of the total child population (Eurostat, 2021). In the United States, children of immigrants make up 23% of all children under the age of 18 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021).

Undocumented and Unaccompanied: Children of Migration in the European Union and the United States (Research in Ethnic and Migration Studies)

by Michael J. Gerson

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Language	:	English
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The migration of children has a number of implications for both the migrant children themselves and for the societies in which they live. Migrant children often face challenges related to language barriers, cultural differences, and discrimination. They may also be more likely to experience poverty, health problems, and educational difficulties than children of native-born parents. However, migrant children can also bring valuable assets to their new societies, such as their linguistic skills, cultural knowledge, and resilience.

There has been a growing body of research on children of migration in recent years. This research has examined a wide range of issues, including the experiences of migrant children in school, their health and well-being, and their integration into their new societies.

Education

One of the most important issues for children of migration is their education. Migrant children often face challenges in school related to language barriers, cultural differences, and discrimination. They may also be more likely to experience poverty, which can further hinder their educational attainment.

Research has shown that migrant children who receive early childhood education are more likely to succeed in school. However, there are often barriers to accessing early childhood education for migrant children, such as lack of affordable childcare and language barriers.

Once migrant children enter school, they may face a number of challenges, such as:

• Language barriers
• Cultural differences
• Discrimination
• Poverty

These challenges can make it difficult for migrant children to succeed in school. However, there are a number of things that can be done to help migrant children succeed in school, such as:

• Providing language support
• Creating culturally responsive schools
• Addressing discrimination
• Providing financial assistance

Health

Migrant children are more likely to experience health problems than children of native-born parents. This is due to a number of factors, including poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare.

Some of the most common health problems experienced by migrant children include:

• Asthma
• Obesity
• Mental health problems
• Chronic diseases

There are a number of things that can be done to improve the health of migrant children, such as:

• Providing access to affordable healthcare
• Promoting healthy eating and exercise
• Addressing discrimination
• Providing mental health support

Integration

Integration is a complex process that involves the interaction of multiple factors, including individual characteristics, family and community factors, and societal factors. For children of migration, integration can be particularly challenging due to the fact that they often have to navigate between two or more cultures.

There are a number of factors that can promote the integration of children of migration, such as:

• Strong family and community support
• Positive experiences at school
• Opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities
• A welcoming and supportive society

There are also a number of things that can hinder the integration of children of migration, such as:

• Discrimination
• Lack of access to education and healthcare
• Poverty
• Negative experiences at school

It is important to note that integration is not a one-time event, but rather an ongoing process that can take many years. It is also important to recognize that there is no single "right" way to integrate. Different children will integrate in different ways, and at different paces.

The research on children of migration has a number of policy implications. These include:

• Investing in early childhood education for migrant children
• Providing language support for migrant children in schools
• Creating culturally responsive schools
• Addressing discrimination against migrant children
• Providing financial assistance to migrant families
• Improving access to affordable healthcare for migrant children
• Promoting healthy eating and exercise among migrant children

Undocumented and Unaccompanied: Children of Migration in the European Union and the United States (Research in Ethnic and Migration Studies)

by Michael J. Gerson

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4903 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	283 pages

FREE