Adult Migrants Research Articles

Transnational identities and agency: navigating everyday life as a young adult migrant in Glasgow, UK

ABSTRACT This article explores the identity narratives of a group of young adult migrants living in Glasgow, UK. The study builds on narrative interviews, to understand processes of identity negotiation, and the dynamics of macro-level political narratives on the everyday lives of micro-level actors. The analysis considers how identities are negotiated by the participant group with reference to everyday social interactions. Theoretically, theories of identity and transnational agency are used to analyse the capacity of young adult migrants to resist feelings of perceived difference and establish a sense of security in their identities. It is argued that the participants can enact a degree of agency, through the adoption of transnational identities, which permits them the opportunity to secure a sense of self and navigate their everyday lives in Scotland.

Motivations in transition: destination choices of inter-provincial migration among Chinese older adults

AbstractDespite the growing interest in the migration of older adults in China, the intricacies linking migration motivations with destination choices remain insufficiently explored. Drawing from China’s unique context, we categorize inter-provincial older migrants into three types: employment-led, dependent, and lifestyle. Using microdata from the Sixth Population Census of 2010 and the 1% Population Sampling Survey of 2015, we examine their evolving motivations and corresponding shifts in destination preferences. The analysis shows an increase in lifestyle-oriented migration and a decrease in dependent migration, while employment-led migration has remained stable relative to the total. Older migrants seeking employment tend to favor destinations further south, prioritizing regional economic conditions. In contrast, those motivated by lifestyle factors exhibit a broader range of destination choices, largely due to their preference for amenities. Dependent older adult migrants consider both job-related and amenity-related factors and demonstrate a stronger tendency to relocate to the east. Amenity-related factors have increasingly influenced the destination choices across all three types of migration over time. Our findings provide deeper insights into the intricacies of migration in old adulthood and highlight the need for tailored policymaking.

A matter of measurement? Segregation and all-cause mortality in Sweden’s three metropolitan regions

Abstract Background Residential segregation can be operationalized and measured in many ways, along distinct dimensions. There are multiple mechanisms through which segregation and health mutually affect each other. Consequently, contextual health effects of segregation may vary depending on how segregation is measured. Methods We used longitudinal Swedish register data to compare associations between local measures of residential segregation (migrant density, migrant isolation, and the mutual information index) and all-cause mortality among the adult migrant and native-born populations in Sweden’s three largest metropolitan regions between 2004-2016. Results Among migrants, modest positive mortality gradients were observed across measures of migrant density and isolation, where a higher level of segregation was associated with higher risks of all-cause mortality (Q5 RR ranged from 1.08-1.20 across cities and measures). However, these effects were largely attenuated by individual-level socioeconomic factors, and reversed when further controlling for neighborhood economic deprivation (Q5 RR ranged from 0.74-0.87). Among the native-born, a positive gradient for mortality was found (Q5 RR ranged from 1.31-1.45), although this was reduced when accounting for neighborhood deprivation (Q5 RR ranged from 1.01 -1.11). For both migrants and the native-born, the mutual information index showed no clear association with mortality, although a mortality advantage is observed for migrants in the most segregated areas after individual and neighborhood level adjustments (Q5 RR ranged from 0.73-0.86). Conclusions Our findings show that the manner in which residential segregation is conceptualized and operationalized alters associations with health. However, individual and other contextual level confounders are important determinants which influences the patterns. Much of the negative health effects of residential segregation can be perceived through the lack of economic opportunities. Key messages • Associations between segregation and all-cause mortality depends on how segregation is conceptualized and measured. • The mortality disadvantage observed in local areas with high migrant density may be attributed to the lack of economic opportunities in the neighborhood.

Vaccine-preventable diseases in migrants to Europe: a systematic review

Abstract Migrant populations in Europe are at increased risk of under-immunisation and therefore likely to be at high risk of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD), yet the relationship between migration and VPD incidence is not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of VPDs in migrant populations in Europe and to define at-risk groups. Following PRISMA guidelines, Embase, MEDLINE and Global Health were searched for peer-reviewed papers published from 1st January 2010. Inclusion criteria comprised primary research on VPD cases (measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) among migrants to/within EU/EEA and Switzerland. We defined migrants as foreign-born nationals. Forty-seven eligible studies from 15 EU/EEA countries and Switzerland were included, with a total of 1357 migrant VPD cases reported. Analysis revealed 1357 migrant cases across measles (28 publications; 926 cases), pertussis (9; 267 cases), mumps (9; 107 cases), diphtheria (11; 67 cases), rubella (2; 6 cases imported from Romania and Pakistan), tetanus (2; 2 cases). Over-representation of measles cases was observed among migrant children and adolescents, predominantly from the WHO Europe region (particularly Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia). Migrants of East African origin were over-represented among diphtheria cases. This study underscores the association between migration and VPD cases in EU/EEA and Switzerland, establishing a clear association between European migrant children and adolescents in measles outbreaks, and adult migrants from East Africa in diphtheria cases. This study suggests strengthening systems for targeted catch-up vaccination for migrants is imperative upon arrival in European countries to align them with national schedules, alongside the need to improve data collection and surveillance systems to inform effective public health interventions. Key messages • Migrant populations in Europe face heightened risk of vaccine-preventable diseases and need to be better incorporated into catch-up vaccination initiatives on arrival. • Improved data collection and surveillance systems are crucial for informing effective public health interventions targeting migrant populations.

Medical imaging utilization in migrants compared with nonmigrants in a universal healthcare system: A population-based matched cohort study.

Medical imaging is an integral part of healthcare. Globalization has resulted in increased mobilization of migrants to new host nations. The association between migration status and utilization of medical imaging is unknown. A retrospective population-based matched cohort study was conducted in Ontario, Canada from April 1, 1995 to December 31, 2016. A total of 1,848,222 migrants were matched 1:1 to nonmigrants in the year of migration on age, sex, and geography. Utilization of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radiography, and ultrasonography was determined. Rate differences per 1,000 person-years comparing migrants to nonmigrants were calculated. Relative rates were calculated using a recurrent event framework, adjusting for age, sex, and time-varying socioeconomic status, comorbidity score, and access to a primary care provider. Estimates were stratified by migration age: children and adolescents (≤19 years), young adults (20 to 39), adults (40 to 59), and older adults (≥60). Utilization rates of CT, MRI, and radiography were lower for migrants across all age groups compared with Ontario nonmigrants. Increasing age at migration was associated with larger differences in utilization rates. Older adult migrants had the largest gap in imaging utilization. The longer the time since migration, the larger the gap in medical imaging use. In multivariable analysis, the relative rate of imaging was approximately 20% to 30% lower for migrants: ranging from 0.77 to 0.88 for CT and 0.72 to 0.80 for MRI imaging across age groups. Radiography relative rates ranged from 0.84 to 0.90. All migrant age groups, except older adults, had higher rates of ultrasonography. The indication for imaging was not captured, thus it was not possible to determine if the imaging was necessary. Migrants utilized less CT, MRI, and radiography but more ultrasonography. Older adult migrants used the least amount of imaging compared with nonmigrants. Future research should evaluate whether lower utilization is due to barriers in healthcare access or health-seeking behaviors within a universal healthcare system.

AMEP and the Burden of Compliance

This article explores the ‘burden of compliance’ experienced by providers and teachers in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), a large national English as an Additional Language (EAL) program in Australia. It shows how compliance requirements have been shaped by the relationship between two groups, those who make and operationalise relevant policies (mainly politicians and public servants) and those engaged in the practice of developing and teaching English courses (mainly teachers, program providers, and academics). These two groups are engaged in a struggle for the control of a metaphoric ‘pedagogic device’ (Bernstein, 2000) which shapes curriculum documents such as the frameworks, scales and teaching resources used in the AMEP. The article examines three key teaching and assessment documents and shows how the compliance requirements attached to each have been shaped by the relationship between these two groups over time. A crucial dynamic governing this relationship is the level of trust between and within them. The article argues that changes in levels and types of trust account for many of the tensions within the AMEP. It begins by describing how compliance was raised as an issue and introduces the key concepts that inform the discussion. The second part of the article tracks changes in approaches to compliance as manifested in three AMEP curriculum documents over 75 years. The third part identifies three policy trends that contributed to compliance becoming the burden currently experienced by providers and teachers. The article concludes that there are signs that trust between stakeholders may be changing, with a potential reduction in the burden of compliance.

Post-migration infection with SARS-CoV-2 in Venezuelan migrants: A laboratory-based epidemiological observational study

BackgroundSince 2015, over 6 million Venezuelans migrated to Colombia and neighboring countries. While most people adhered to lockdown measures, migrants kept moving during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodTo investigate the extent of migration-associated SARS-CoV-2 infections, we interviewed 1209 adult Venezuelan migrants upon arrival to Bucaramanga, Colombia, 200 km from the Colombian-Venezuelan border along the main migration route during April–September 2021, collected individual-level socio-economic and clinical data, sampled blood and saliva, and assessed SARS-CoV-2 infection by serological, molecular and phylogenetic tools. ResultsSARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity was 1.9 % (95 % Confidence Interval (CI), 1.2–2.9) without varying significantly over the study period (chi-square, p = 0.922) and significantly associated with stay in Colombia >14 days (p = 0.018; prevalence ratio 3.3, 95 % CI, 1.2–8.7). Pre-existing SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies were neither significantly associated with preventing infection (Chi-square, p = 0.188), nor symptom development (Fisher, p = 0.246). Predominance and time of detection of SARS-CoV-2 Mu and Gamma variants in migrants in comparison to available genomic data suggested infection predominantly in Colombia. SARS-CoV-2 IgG-based seroprevalence was 34.2 % (95 % CI, 31.5–36.9). Detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies was significantly associated with previous contact with infected individuals (p = 0.002). ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 infection occurred predominantly after immigration, potentially facilitated by densely populated border camps. Improved infrastructure and health care will prevent migration-associated spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

Teaching literacy to adult migrants in Norway. An interview study exploring teachers' reflections on professional practices

Through an interview study, this article explores teachers’ reflections on professional practices when teaching Norwegian and literacy to adult migrants with little or no previous formal education. Data were collected from ten experienced teachers at three learning centers. The interviews were individual, based on a semi-structured interview guide and conducted on Zoom during the Covid-19 pandemic 2021–2022. The study builds on sociological and pedagogical theories of professional practices in which teaching is seen as a profession between macro and micro challenges. The curriculum for teaching Norwegian to adults is a regulation to the Integration Act, which requires teachers to contribute to an “early integration” and “a lasting connection to working life” in addition to transforming the subject content into forms that works for their group of students. Specific language requirements (CEFR B2 level) to obtain Norwegian citizenship add pressure to the teaching situation. The interview study made it possible to explore professional practices as described by the teachers themselves, from within the profession. The analysis uses Biesta’s (2015) three purposes of education as a lens: qualification, socialization and subjectification. All teachers describe their practices as a matter of balancing between choosing and transforming content and caring for their students. They also act as bridge-builders between the adult migrants in their situation as newcomers and their situation as future citizens of Norway, thus reflecting a strong dedication to their students’ lives as adults in Norway and combining all three of Biesta’s purposes of education in their professional practices.

(Im)mobility, literacies and second language education for adults and adolescents with limited previous education

This special issue draws attention to literacy and basic literacy education for adult and adolescent migrants with limited or no previous school background, who are learning a second language. This introduction addresses issues closely related to literacy education for this group of migrants, namely human mobility and immobility, including both horizontal (geographical and spatial) and vertical (social) mobility, as well as the interrelation between the two. Whereas some people’s mobility is considered a threat that must be regulated and restricted, other people’s mobility is encouraged. While mobility and diversity have always been intrinsic aspects of human societies, it can be concluded that social, economic and technological changes have intensified migration, the movement of artifacts and communication between people over vast distances. As mobility and diversity have increased, theoretical perspectives and research in applied linguistics and education have emerged. In this special issue, we bring together seven studies of second language and literacy education for adolescent and adult second language learners in different contexts, illustrating both similarities and differences between educational domains. The studies were conducted in Canada, Norway and Sweden. We are happy to say that the authors’ efforts have resulted in a body of work that contributes to research on literacies and literacy education for adults and adolescents with limited previous education. It is also our hope that the articles will inspire additional research in the area in the coming years.

Classroom work with literature in basic literacy and second language education for adults

This article examines classroom work with literature in the Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) programme in which adult migrants study Swedish at a basic level. The participants were a teacher and a group of students with limited previous education. The study explores practices that the participants applied during classroom work with an easy-to-read novel. The theoretical and analytical framework includes the four resources model, transactional theory and the concepts of translanguaging and embodied literacy practices. Data for the study were collected in a large action research and linguistic ethnography project by means of classroom observations and focus group conversations with teachers. Findings show that decoding and meaning-making practices were most prominent, while text-using and text-analysing practices were scarcer. Aesthetic reading and efferent reading were in different ways integrated with the different families of practice. Aesthetic reading was connected to multimodal aspects and embodied literacy practices. Efferent reading was found at many levels in the reading and was interconnected with all families of practice. Translanguaging practices often intersected with meaning-making practices.

Language Hierarchies, Liminality, and Resistance in Canadian and Finnish Integration Educations for Adult Migrants

This article explores the effects of language hierarchies within SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) and LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) national integration programmes and how discourses of civic integrationism framed around monolingualism and neoliberalism position adult migrant students in the liminal spaces between belonging and othering. Based on research findings obtained during multiple case study fieldwork in Finland and Canada, I examine the underlying norms and subtexts upon which practices of host language acquisition are founded. How students are positioned depends greatly on who serves as an arbiter over which expressions of linguistic diversity are deemed beneficial or obstructive to integration. Migrant liminality within integration educations could be debilitating while simultaneously fostering resistance in transgressing and reimagining essentialist integration policy and pedagogical goals, thus creating opportunities for transformation.

Evaluation of the Adult Migrant English Program for the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs

Objective and ApproachThe Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is a free service to help eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants with low English proficiency to improve their English skills and elevate their participation in Australian society. In partnership with AMEP funder, the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, we have completed a longitudinal research study analysing the effectiveness of AMEP by linking participant information for over 400,000 AMEP clients with administrative data from social services, taxation, and the national census, from 2003 – 2019. This is the first time AMEP participant data has been linked with other data assets and represents the most comprehensive evaluation of AMEP since program inception in 1948. ResultsAMEP participation was associated with improved English proficiency of clients, especially when clients studied for longer periods. Migrants with higher levels of English on-entry had better labour market outcomes, higher income levels (male and female), lower rates of public housing tenancy, and were less likely to receive income support in the years following program exit. ConclusionsWhile the design does not support true causal inference, this evaluation provides good evidence that AMEP is effective at improving English proficiency and suggests AMEP participation can improve a range of economic and social outcomes for eligible migrants with low English proficiency. ImplicationsThe launch of these results coincided with new investment in AMEP and a broadening of eligibility criteria to make AMEP available to a wider range of migrants with low English proficiency.

The Acquisition of Greek as a Second/Foreign Language by the Imprisoned Adult Refugees and Migrants in Corfu: A Comprehensive Study on the Teaching Material Used During Their Formal Education

The Acquisition of Greek as a Second/Foreign Language by the Imprisoned Adult Refugees and Migrants in Corfu: A Comprehensive Study on the Teaching Material Used During Their Formal Education

Adult Migrants’ Formal and Informal Language Learning Opportunities: Availability, Choice, and Social Integration

This study explores adult migrants’ formal and informal opportunities for learning their host country’s dominant language: specifically, the availability, accessibility, and effects of these opportunities on the migrants’ social integration. It prioritizes the migrants’ experience by reporting findings obtained from analyses of questionnaire data collected from 76 migrants in Canada, the United States, and Italy and from interview data collected from a subset of 18 of these migrants. The findings are supplemented by analyses of questionnaire data collected from 12 service providers at the same research sites. The findings show that across the three sites, adult migrants value both formal and informal learning opportunities; that in both learning contexts they prioritize the development of communicative competence, particularly speaking and listening skills; and that outside the classroom they prefer to interact with locals who do not share their home language, and find these interactions very useful in their social integration efforts. However, the findings also reveal that the migrants are not always able to choose freely to engage in the kinds of language learning opportunities that would help them meet their language learning or social integration goals because these opportunities may be unavailable, inaccessible, or insufficiently designed to meet their needs.

Reflexive participant collaboration: researching ‘with’ adult migrant learners of English

ABSTRACT This article explores a method of collecting in-situ data created by adult migrants attending English language classes to investigate the interindividual variance of vulnerability within this population. The study encourages reflexivity to evaluate and redress the power relationships present both in the research process and the daily lives of the migrants, whilst also building trust between the researcher and participants. I argue that weekly text message data, generated by participants and arranged as graphs for online interviews, empowers participants to take ownership of their research contribution and encourages deeper reflections to share the stories behind the messages.

Deaf migrants in Sweden: exploring linguistic and bureaucratic challenges through the lens of Crip Theory and Crip Linguistics

Abstract Disabled people encounter numerous barriers to accessibility and face discrimination and inequalities in their daily lives. The situation is even more complex for migrants with a disability, who have to learn how to navigate a new bureaucratic system. This study focuses on deaf adult migrants and the linguistic and bureaucratic challenges they face in Swedish society. The data consists of interviews with 43 deaf migrants participating in language learning courses in four folk high schools catering to deaf people in Sweden. Crip Theory and Crip Linguistics are used as lenses to explore the impact of able-bodiedness and linguistic norms on this particular group. The findings show that deaf migrants experience infantilisation, that sign language interpreters are often seen as a one-size-fits-all solution without much consideration for other factors influencing communication, and that normative able-bodiedness underlies many of the bureaucratic issues deaf migrants face.

Language learning challenges for adult deaf migrants in Sweden: experiences from a four-year project

ABSTRACT Upon arrival in Sweden, adult migrants are required to learn Swedish at the earliest opportunity. This requirement also extends to deaf migrants, regardless of their linguistic and educational backgrounds. This paper presents findings and experiences derived from a project focused on the multilingual situation of deaf migrants in Sweden. Some deaf migrants have acquired sign language skills from birth and have received formal education, while others have had limited exposure to language and have never attended school. Due to a scarcity of interpreters proficient in different sign languages and many deaf migrants lacking knowledge of such languages, it becomes imperative for them to participate in courses aimed at learning Swedish Sign Language (STS). This enables effective communication with the Swedish Migration Agency and other authorities through STS-interpreters. They are also required, similar to other migrants, to acquire proficiency in reading and writing Swedish. Paradoxically, Sweden imposes the same education duration requirements on deaf migrants as hearing who only learn one language. Consequently, deaf migrants encounter challenges in attaining sufficient language proficiency level for successful integration into Swedish society. The paper highlights challenges and emphasizes the importance of addressing the unique language-learning needs of deaf migrants to facilitate their successful integration.

Heterogeneity in public health service utilization and its relationship with social integration among older adult migrants in China: a latent class analysis.

The older adult migrant population in China is on the rise, which presents challenges for the national public health service system. However, the heterogeneity of public health service utilization and its relationship with social integration among the older adult migrant population remains unclear. This study aims to explore the heterogeneity the public health service utilization and how it relates to their social integration. A total of 6,178 older adult migrants from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS) in 2017 were included in this study. Exploratory factor analysis was used to categorize social integration into four dimensions. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify different sub-groups of public health service utilization. ANOVA and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the characteristics of different sub-groups. Three potential classes of public health service utilization were identified: low utilization of basic public health services class (N = 3,264,52.756%), medium utilization of basic public health services class (N = 1,743,28.172%), and high utilization of basic public health services class (N = 1,180,19.072%). Gender, education, extent of mobility, and move alone or not, flow time were all predictors of the class of public health service utilization. There were significant differences in social integration across potential categories (p<0.0001). The utilization of public health services of the older adult migrants is affected by many aspects. Social integration deserves attention as a significant influencing factor in the utilization of public health services. The government should pay attention to the characteristics of the older adult migrants and formulate relevant policies in a targeted manner in order to improve the utilization of public health services of the older adult migrants.

Introduction to the special issue on the consequences of immigration policies on children, youth, and families who experience migration-related trauma.

We are excited to introduce this special issue on the consequences of immigration policies on children, youth, and families who experience migration-related trauma. International migration has increased over the last 5 decades. Recent estimates suggest that 281 million people live in a country other than the one in which they were born (McAuliffe & Triandafyllidou, 2021). These migratory patterns are complex and present both challenges and opportunities for trauma psychologists and professionals from diverse disciplines who approach their work with immigrants from a trauma-informed perspective. In this 21st century, a variety of stressors and crises continue to propel the movement of children, youth, and families across the globe. Trauma often pervades the experiences that cause people to leave their homes. They may need to escape oppressive political systems; criminal gangs, war, or disasters; or simply to survive. Migration itself can lead to exposure to additional traumatic events, such as physical and sexual violence, kidnapping, and trafficking. Finally, upon arrival in a host country, individuals may experience further stressors as they struggle to navigate immigration systems with discriminatory processes and inadequate resources. In this special issue, 14 articles illustrate various ways by which migration-related traumatic experiences can inform assessment and treatment, public health policy, and human rights advocacy. Focusing primarily on children and families, unaccompanied youth, and adult migrants from Latin America and other regions, the authors explore premigration, migration itself, and postmigration issues that arise when individuals migrate to survive. The articles highlight how the resiliency and strength of individuals and families can be called upon to empower them in their journey toward healing and the critical need for cross-disciplinary treatment and advocacy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Age of migration and common mental disorders among migrants in early adulthood: a Norwegian registry study

BackgroundYounger age of migration is associated with higher risk of psychotic disorders but the relationship between age of migration and common mental disorders is less clear. This study investigates the association between age of migration and diagnosed common mental disorders among migrants living in Norway.MethodsUsing national Norwegian register data from 2008 to 2019, we compared the odds of a common mental disorder diagnosis in healthcare services during early adulthood among non-migrants, descendants and migrants with different ages of migration and lengths of stay. We also investigated differences in the relationship for different migrant groups and for men and women.ResultsDescendants and childhood migrants with ≥ 19 years in Norway had higher odds of common mental disorders than non-migrants, while those migrating during adolescence with ≥ 19 years in Norway had similar odds. Those migrating during emerging and early adulthood had lower odds. Overall among migrants, the relationship between age of migration and common mental disorders was more pronounced for migrants < 19 years in Norway than ≥ 19 years and for non-refugees compared with refugees, especially men.ConclusionsDescendants and childhood migrants with long stays may have higher odds of common mental disorders due to the associated stress of growing up in a bicultural context compared with non-migrants. Age of migration has a negative association with diagnosed common mental disorders but much of this effect may attenuate over time. The effect appears weaker for refugees, and particularly refugee men, which may reflect higher levels of pre-migration trauma and stress associated with the asylum-seeking period for those arriving as adults. At the same time, migrants, especially those arriving as adults, experience barriers to care. This could also explain the particularly low odds of diagnosed common mental disorders among adult migrants, especially those with shorter stays.