International migration as a phenomenon has a long history, but today it is ever increasing its significance. When immigrants arrive and settle down, problems arise for both immigrants and the host society. For immigrants, negotiating their identity as well as practically adjusting to the new lifestyle is fundamental. For the host society, how to incorporate immigrants is crucial for redefining and/or maintaining its (national) unity. 

This project examines modes of assimilation/ integration of settled Asian immigrants in Northern Ireland society, taking into account its deep communal divide. The social and political contexts of the host society greatly matter for immigrant settlement. How do Asian immigrants interact with sectarianism in the host society and how do they identify themselves in between the two mutually hostile groups? Focusing on three key segregated milieux of neighbourhood, education and politics, the research explores Asian immigrants' views and behaviours, and attempts to illustrate how they fit in the society and in what sense they remain outsiders.

Research interest:

Nationalism, immigrant integration/assimilation, deeply divided society, democratic participation.