Empowerment through liquid integration of migrant youth in vulnerable conditions
MIMY is a comparative interdisciplinary study of migrant integration with the aim of empowering young migrants in vulnerable conditions and supporting integration strategies within the EU. The project brings together 11 disciplines and 12 partners to examine the dynamic, open-ended process of integration at the EU, national and local level by examining 18 case studies within 9 countries. MIMY analyzes integration policies and strategies across macro (EU migration policies), meso (regional economic & social systems) and micro (individual practices) levels by establishing a unified theoretical framework at the intersection of liquid integration, resilience and vulnerability. The innovative, multi-method approach (e.g. policy analyses, quantitative data analysis, delphi study and participatory action research) provides in-depth analyses of: 1) the long-term socio-economic effects of successful and failed integration; 2) factors fostering or hindering integration processes of young migrants (considering the heterogeneity and diverse biographical backgrounds); and 3) how diverse social actors and institutions can support the agency of young migrants by further strengthening their resilience and resistance strategies.  In contrast to existing approaches, MIMY emphasizes and combines the vertical (multi-level governance structure) and horizontal (sector policies) axes. MIMY will show which integration strategies and policies can successfully support the empowerment of young vulnerable migrants to become active citizens within an inclusive society by working in close cooperation with migrants as peer researchers. It will contribute extensively to integration studies - empirically, methodologically and conceptually - through its place- and gender-sensitive and migrant-centred approach. MIMY offers direct benefits to young migrants and evidence-based policy-recommendations will help to push policy and practice innovation in the field of migrant youth integration in Europe.