Moroccan Migrants in Europe and Islamophobia

Abstract

The major aspiration of Moroccan migrants was, and remains, the realization of their migration project, which is the improvement of their well-being and that of their families. Over the years, the migration project led to the emergence of a nuclear family in the host country, constituting a key component of the migratory situation and engendering challenges for migrants and their children, as well as for the receiving and sending countries. In general, three major features characterize the situation of Moroccan migrants: (1) the first and second generations face social segregation and experience loneliness and homesickness; (2) children are drawn between the culture of the country of origin and that of the host country, a dilemma they themselves have to resolve; and (3) immigrants are subject to the Islamophobia that results from the presumption that Islam is a totalitarian religion that is incompatible with the European (and Western) values of freedom of religion, equality, human rights, and democracy. Multiculturalism and cultural diversity may be considered means for integration and devices for bringing about or preserving cultural, religious, racial, ethnic, linguistic diversity. Multiculturalism, or some form of it, could be invoked by such a host country to promote diversity and discourage homogenizing activities.