Honors Theses

College

College of Arts and Sciences

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Political Science and Public Administration

Department

Department of Political Science and Public Administration

Degree

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Political Science

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Abstract

This study examines the integration success of immigrants in the U.S. South. The design of this study establishes six indicators of integration: employment, education, political engagement, health, housing, and language. In the discussion, each section establishes the indicator’s measurement technique, its relevance to integration, and its relationship with other indicators. The proposed measure is a point-based survey which correlates to a hexagonal spider graph as an overall index of integration success. The survey is recommended for individual administration to compare cases and determine change across time of immigrants as they integrate into the U.S. South. Integration is viewed as the extent to which immigrants are able to function and contribute as members of their community. This is relevant for the quality of life of both immigrant populations and the populations in which immigrants settle. There is limited research on measuring immigrant integration, as well as the dynamics of integration specifically in the U.S. South. There is a need to expand this area of research because of increasing immigrant populations in the U.S. South, a lack of pathways to reduce barriers for immigrants, and an increasing generational gap between first-generation immigrants and their children.

Publication Date

4-16-2021

First Advisor

Holmes, Carolyn

Second Advisor

Merivaki, Thessalia

Third Advisor

Pugh, Brian

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