Document Type

Article

Publication Date

June 2022

Abstract

When immigrating to a new host country, the overall integration process for immigrant youth and refugees can be taxing, as experiences with prejudice and discrimination are likely to occur. This article highlights the role of contact and social identity in reducing biases such as stereotypes or prejudice for immigrant youth using the contact hypothesis. Then, we apply the contact hypothesis to twenty-five essays written by immigrant youth in Atlanta, Georgia, and analyse the essays in order to understand their attitudes and emotions before, during, and after the migration process. Further, the article addresses immigrant youth expectations and challenges during the integration process and how they were able to adjust. With the findings from the data presented, we seek to answer how immigrant youth encounter and adapt to new environments. Moreover, we examined their societal expectations and their feelings about society’s attitude towards them, as well as if these change the longer they reside in the United States increases. Recommendations for further investigation are discussed along with strategies to promote positive experiences for immigrant youth and their host country.

Journal Title

Journal of Belonging, Identity, Language, and Diversity

Journal ISSN

2561-7982

Volume

6

Issue

2

First Page

26

Last Page

40

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