Learning from Each Other: The Integration of Immigrant and Minority Groups in the United States and Europe

By Spencer P. Boyer, Center for American Progress
A collaboration of the Center for American Progress and the Heinrich Böll Stiftung.
April 20, 2009

The United States and the European Union share much in common, including a similar religious and cultural heritage, strong democratic institutions, and a commitment to civil society. One thing they do not share, however, is a common set of political attitudes and attendant policies on how best to integrate immigrant and minority groups into their larger societies. Intriguingly, though, policymakers in the United States and Europe could learn a great deal from each other as they tackle this issue—one of the more important challenges of the 21st century. As this paper will demonstrate, our different views and actions on integration—derived from unique historical experiences—provide lessons for both sides of the Atlantic.

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