“Immigration in the XXIst century: Mobility, integration, and politics”

ESPOL-Lab conferences available in person and online!

Every year, ESPOL-Lab organises political science conferences. Free access to members of the Catholic University of Lille, and on registration for outsiders and to follow online.

Abstract

Immigration has emerged as a defining and polarizing issue in the 21st century, reshaping societies in profound ways. This lecture, “Immigration in the XXIst Century: Mobility, Integration, and Politics,” will draw on empirical evidence and theoretical perspectives to delve into three interconnected stages of migration: what drives individuals to migrate, how they integrate into host societies, and the political consequences of these movements. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of visa policies and advancements in ICT technology in determining migration patterns. The integration discussion will highlight immigrants’ roles in vital economic sectors and their broader impact on labor markets and public finances. Public opinion will be explored through the lens of whether immigration flows shape native attitudes and contribute to social and political divides. Finally, the lecture will briefly examine the political dimensions of immigration, including immigrants’ access to political rights, native perceptions of these rights, and how immigration is leveraged in political rhetoric.

Jérôme GONNOT is Associate Professor of Public Economics at ESPOL, Université catholique de Lille.