Experiences and integration of Nigerian migrants in the United States and United Kingdom

Alabi, Tunde

Experiences and integration of Nigerian migrants in the United States and United Kingdom

Thesis / Dissertation

2024

Abstract

As the rate of migration from Africa to the West increases, host countries' migration policies and migrants' everyday experiences are increasingly intercepted by discriminatory behaviours based on intersectional identities. The discrimination and inequalities have implications for migrants' overall well-being. This study investigated the experiences and integration of Nigerian migrants in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK), focusing on three projects: selfidentification and understanding of immigrant integration, migrants' wellbeing (employment and health), and Covid-19. Specifically, the study set out to investigate (1) how Nigerian migrants selfidentify and how they understand the concept of “immigrant integration”; (2) the influence of seven factors (gender, religion, names, duration of stay, education, place of education and migrant) on the labour market and health experiences of Nigerian migrants; (3) differences in migration experiences of Nigerian migrants between the US and UK; (4) the effects of Covid-19 on the employment and health of migrants. The study adopted a multi-theoretic approach, resting on theories and concepts such as intersectionality, assimilation, integration, cultural hybridity, multiculturalism, cultural (dis)similarity, etc. In addition, I tested the assumption of some theories, including Muslim and hijab penalties, gender socialization theory, human capital theory, time-income explanation, and healthy immigrant effect. The mixed method of data collection was adopted. Two hundred and fifty-six survey responses (129 from the US and 127 from the UK) and 31 in-depth interviews (17 and 14 from the US and UK, respectively) were analysed. I used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 for the quantitative data. I ran statistical tests such as chi-square, Ttest, analysis of variance and regression models at the inferential level. For the qualitative data, I used Nvivo (Version 12) and adopted the steps in the thematic analysis, including different levels of coding. The study found that (1) most Nigerian migrants demonstrated a hybrid identity. However, they identified with the Nigerian culture more than the host culture. Their justifications revolve around food, attire, language/accent, citizenship, and duration of stay. Despite overwhelming identification with the country of origin, Nigerian migrants primarily conceived of immigrant integration as the process of “sinking,” “copying,” “learning,” “adopting,” “assimilating,” and “adopting” the culture of the host country. (2) Gender, place of education, duration of stay, and migration status were statistically associated with at least one of the five dependent variables (labour market outcome, labour market equality, health outcome, access to healthcare, and experience of discrimination). Women experienced discrimination in healthcare settings more than men. A certificate education in the host country increased the chance of a better labour market experience. Migrants' experiences in the host country became positive with increasing duration of stay. Permanent residents reported more favourable labour market outcomes than migrants with temporary visas. (3) Nigerian migrants in the US reported better labour market and health outcomes than their counterparts in the UK. However, each health system has its challenges. Nigerian migrants in the US paid financially for health, while those in the UK paid emotionally with long waiting times. (4) The effects of Covid-19 on migrants' employment were not uniform. Covid-19 was a blessing to migrants with formal and regular jobs, but the pandemic negatively affected those who worked in the less regulated sector. However, the impact of Covid-19 on health was primarily negative for Nigerian migrants. Expanding on the concept of “relational integration,” I submit that Nigerian migrants are doing relatively well in the host countries. Although they experience inequality and intersectional discrimination in the host countries, Nigerian migrants in the US and UK perceived their experiences as much better than when they were in Nigeria. However, migrants did not necessarily have increasingly positive experiences; I used the concept of de-integration to explain how some Nigerian migrants had negative experiences after initial positive encounters due to changes in migration policies in the host countries and natural phenomena. Keywords: Immigrant integration; De-integration; Migration management; Migrant health; Labour market; Covid-19; “japa”

Keywords

Sociology

Reference:

Collections

PhD / Doctoral

Full item page