The Dynamics of Immigrants' Life History: Application to the Insertion of Albanian and Moroccan Immigrants into Some Italian Areas

Abstract

The integration of immigrants into settlement areas is a complex phenomenon that persists throughout the life history of immigrants. The analysis of life histories should take into account the time dimensions of the different individual paths that can be traced back by retrospective surveys. The aim of our research is to identify different steps, transitions, timings and determinants that characterise the insertion process of a sample of Albanian and Moroccan immigrants in two cities in Italy, Bari and Rome. The methodology employed is the Event History Analysis (EHA), rarely applied to international migration. The work aims at singling out the main events, as well as their succession and their determinants, of the settlement course of the immigrants. Data show that the main events characterising the migratory life cycle are the attainment of a paid job and obtaining a stable accommodation. Finding a regular (legal) job and stable relationship are less widespread as these are typically sought later on. Data also show that the stabilization process goes through a phase characterized by precarious solutions. Finally, with regard to the insertion process, Moroccan immigrants appear to face the most problems.