Immigration

Topic Editor: Marc H. Bornstein, PhD, Child and Family Research, NICHD, USA

According to the International Organization of Migration,^a approximately 200 million people are currently living outside of their country of origin. Reasons for this physical relocation include financial insecurity, political instability, educational opportunities, and demographic growth. Cultural and psychological changes in customs, language, and values (i.e., acculturation) resulting from contact with a different culture are likely to vary depending on the individual’s wish to maintain their culture of origin and to adopt the culture of the mainstream society. People who are highly engaged in both the heritage and mainstream cultures (i.e., integration) tend to adapt more easily to the immigration process in comparison to those who have an exclusive orientation toward their heritage culture (i.e., separation). These two acculturation strategies are especially relevant for children and adolescent immigrants. Indeed, as immigrant children move into adolescence, they become increasingly engaged in the larger society and their relations with each cultural context play a considerable role in shaping their self and identity. Given that immigrant children will eventually represent a considerable proportion of workers in many affluent countries, it is important to promote their well-being, development, and success.

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