New Research Center Critiques Sweden's Immigration Strategy

A new research center at the Stockholm School of Economics has harshly criticized Sweden's restrictive immigration policies, which have tightened since the 2015 refugee crisis. Lin Lerpold, the center's director, argues that the government’s efforts to promote integration through the adoption of Swedish values risk exacerbating feelings of exclusion among immigrants.

In contrast, newly appointed Minister for Education and Integration Simona Mohamsson emphasizes the necessity of language acquisition, advocating that immigrants learn everyday Swedish within three years to maintain their financial aid. Mohamsson, who brings her own diverse background to the role, underscores the vital connection between language and societal participation. The government aims for integration by ensuring newcomers adhere to basic societal norms, positing this as a way to reduce risks of exclusion and thereby combat crime.

However, Lerpold critiques the current policy as overly simplistic, noting it prioritizes employment and language while neglecting the essential elements of belonging and security. The new research center aims to forge a comprehensive framework for integration by collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, including politicians and civil society. This initiative has received financial backing from the EU's Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund, highlighting a multifaceted approach to what the center believes are complex integration issues.