ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of integration models and their development. Integration models evolve in response to changes in migration flows and to developments and events in receiving countries. Assimilation is the well known and often contested earlier model of immigrant incorporation which assumed that immigrants would need to melt into the main population as a prerequisite for becoming part of the new society. Integration is conceptualized as a two-way process taking place through meaningful interaction between migrants and the settlement society. Classic assimilation theory has had a central place in US research on the adaptation processes of its early and later twentieth century immigrants. Multiculturalism swings away from assimilation by recognizing the inherent importance of culture and of cultural identity for migrants. Transnationalism emerged over two decades ago as a conceptual frame for understanding and analysing the dynamic networks of transactions, communications and ties which are maintained by migrants between their countries of origin and settlement.
