Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Anne A. Hacker

Abstract

Globalization increases international mobility, causing people to migrate for various reasons. The critical problem of migration is integrating migrants into their host communities. Nigerian immigrants are the most educated African immigrants to the United States, yet they struggle with integration barriers. Notwithstanding the extensive literature on why Nigerians emigrated and the challenges they face after immigration, no research existed on the impact of U.S. government policies and programs on integrating Nigerian immigrants into society. This narrative study explored Nigerian immigrants' perceptions regarding the impact of the U.S. government settlement and support programs on their integration into American society. The conceptual framework used to frame the study combined Giddens' structuration theory and Morçöl's complexity theory. A semi structured interview approach was used to obtain data from 12 Nigerian-born immigrants living in New Jersey. Qualitative data analysis software was used to assist with coding and analyzing the data. Findings revealed that Nigerian New Jersey immigrants did not know about and were thus not impacted by government immigration integration programs. Recommendations include that immigration policymakers interrelate with immigrants at every policy stage. The implication for positive social change includes aiding immigration policymakers in developing, updating, and implementing programs that impact immigrants' successful integration into the U.S. society. This study also has implications for social determinants of health in that immigration policymaking should consider all-around wellness and quality of life of people.

Download

Share

 
COinS