The Future of Cities: How to Apply Migration Lens to the City Governance

By Gülşen Doğan, PhD Researcher, Migration Research Center at Koç University (MiReKoc)

Cities benefit from migration, as individuals relocating bring various perspectives, expertise, and cultural diversity, greatly enhancing urban life’s social, economic, and political structure. However, many migrants often encounter marginalization and exclusion, preventing them from fully engaging in urban activities. This marginalization not only harms the migrants themselves but also deprives cities of the valuable contributions they could offer. To cultivate thriving and inclusive city centers, it is essential to address the specific needs of migrants and empower them to actively and securely participate in all facets of city life. However, the question remains: How can urban areas effectively address the unique demands of migrants and facilitate migrants’ secure and meaningful involvement in economic, governmental, and societal spheres?

Understanding Immigrant Challenges

Immigrants encounter various obstacles when they seek to integrate into unfamiliar contexts. These obstacles encompass financial barriers, social seclusion, restricted availability of resources, and vulnerability to mistreatment. They may need help securing employment due to language barriers, insufficient recognition of foreign credentials, and limited entry to professional circles. Cultural differences can likewise result in social seclusion, making it challenging for immigrants to establish supportive social connections. Immigrants frequently experience limited access to healthcare, education, and other services, which are crucial for their welfare and integration. In the absence of adequate support mechanisms, they face exploitation, encompassing labor exploitation and gender-based violence.

Addressing Needs for Successful Integration

Cities can implement various measures to address the distinct requirements of new arrivals and guarantee their effective integration into daily life. The first step involves the imperative of inclusive urban planning to establish cities that accommodate the needs of all inhabitants, including migrants. This encompasses the design of public areas and infrastructure accessible to various groups. For instance, incorporating multilingual signs, establishing secure public spaces, and assuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities can contribute to fostering inclusivity within cities. This may encompass the construction of cost-effective housing, communal facilities, and accessible public transit systems. One example is Toronto, which has introduced multilingual signs in public spaces.

Secondly, economic empowerment plays a crucial role in the integration of immigrants. Urban areas can implement programs offering vocational training, language education, and support for entrepreneurial activities. Finding employment for immigrants involves matching their skills and knowledge with suitable job openings. Moreover, mentorship and inclusive initiatives are of great importance. For example, Vancouver has implemented specialized schemes that provide job training and language classes for immigrants, aiding them in developing skills for the local labor market.

Thirdly, having access to healthcare and social services is crucial for the overall well-being and successful integration of immigrants into society. Municipalities have the potential to enhance accessibility to these essential services by disseminating information in various languages and establishing healthcare initiatives for immigrants. In Berlin, healthcare facilities offer services in multiple languages, and personnel are trained in cultural sensitivity, guaranteeing that immigrants can access necessary care without facing language or cultural obstacles.

Fourthly, community centers, cultural gatherings, and social organizations allow immigrants to socialize and engage with residents. Ongoing discussions also emphasize the significance of community involvement in fostering inclusive urban landscapes. Involving immigrants in local decision-making processes and promoting their active participation in community events can contribute to their feelings of attachment and empowerment. New York City has implemented a variety of community centers that host cultural activities and social organizations, providing immigrants with avenues to connect with their local communities.

Consequently, enabling immigrants to engage in economic, political, and social spheres actively necessitates a comprehensive approach. Advocating for policies safeguarding immigrant rights and ensuring equal opportunities is imperative. Immigrants benefit significantly from legal aid services that help them understand immigration laws and exercise their rights effectively. Offering educational opportunities, such as language classes and vocational training, can enhance immigrants’ competencies and increase their chances of employment. Municipality collaborations with local educational establishments can facilitate immigrants’ access to these programs. Fostering civic involvement among immigrants can be accomplished through voter education initiatives, leadership development programs, and opportunities for involvement in local governance. Teaming up with local organizations that aid immigrants can enhance endeavors to assimilate newcomers. These organizations can offer resources and support for immigrant communities.

Best Practices

Cities globally adopt significant inclusive strategies aimed at immigrants. For example, Berlin and Toronto have allocated funds for targeted job training and language programs for immigrants. Berlin’s “Integration through Qualification (IQ)” scheme offers them professional language classes and specialized training to help them assimilate into the job market (Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales, 2020). New initiatives in New York and London aim to assist immigrant entrepreneurs through microfinance programs and business incubators. One notable example is the “WE NYC” program in New York City. It offers immigrant women financial support, entrepreneurial guidance, and mentoring to foster their entrepreneurial development and economic impact (New York City Economic Development Corporation, 2019). In Vancouver, the “Foreign Credential Recognition Program” supports skilled migrants in getting their credentials recognized, allowing them to work in their chosen professions and boost the area’s economy (Government of Canada, 2021). Municipal services in Malmö are provided in various languages, with staff receiving training in cultural competence to serve diverse populations effectively (Malmö Stad, 2017). Immigrant representatives in Barcelona form part of the “Municipal Immigration Council,” offering guidance on policies that impact immigrant communities to ensure their voices are heard (Barcelona City Council, 2020). San Francisco’s department, responsible for engaging with the community and assisting immigrants, offers legal support to help them understand their rights and navigate the complexities of immigration processes (City and County of San Francisco, 2021). Sydney and Toronto engage in coordinating cultural exchange initiatives that aim to celebrate diversity and facilitate mutual understanding. The “Living in Harmony” festival in Sydney and the “Cultural Hotspot” project in Toronto serve as prime examples of efforts to bridge cultural divides and nurture societal cohesion (City of Sydney, 2021; City of Toronto, 2021). London’s “Migrants’ Resource Centre” delivers various services, including language training and social gatherings, to cultivate a supportive environment for integration (Migrants’ Resource Centre, 2018). Similarly, Amsterdam and Oslo have implemented legislation against discrimination and launched public campaigns to raise awareness. Amsterdam’s “City Rights Office” is dedicated to upholding immigrants’ rights and advancing inclusivity through various programs and services (City of Amsterdam, 2019).

Conclusion

The potential for creating dynamic and inclusive urban spaces lies in cities that embrace immigrants and address their specific needs. Urban centers can empower immigrants to engage in various aspects of city life by prioritizing comprehensive urban planning, financial independence, essential service accessibility, community engagement, and violence prevention. Creating welcoming environments that enable immigrants to thrive and positively impact their new communities is crucial. The key to building a better and more just future lies in valuing the integration and empowerment of newcomers as urban areas expand and progress.