ABSTRACT
Issues related to the integration of immigrants have been widely discussed in Denmark since the beginning of the 1970s. This chapter argues that growing religious identification among immigrants and attachment to religious organizations and associations, and development of the so called 'Parallel Society' seems to reduce immigrants' overall participation in democratic processes. It introduces the major developments in Danish immigration policy, the main characteristics of its immigrant population, immigrant participation in different spheres of life and, the public and media discourse with regard to immigration. The core of the Danish Government policy debate has somehow been centred on the rights and duties of the immigrant population toward the Danish state and society. The areas of immigrant participation are divided into political, economic, social, cultural and religious areas, it is clear that immigrant participation in the economic sphere is the area that receives prime attention.
