Abstract

In this chapter, I explore the evolution of policy responses to global migratory flows in Britain. While the concept of multiculturalism had long been in policy debate, this analysis shows that multiculturalism is re-visited and re-interpreted in current integration policies in superdiverse Britain. Migration as a global social process encompasses multiple concepts such as identity, belonging, culture and home. These concepts are translated within migration policies with the terms integration, recognition, status, and rights. The analysis of the policy intervention models in Britain illustrates a continuation of the ‘acute-problem solving’ approach to integration policies that alienate migrant identities and create cleavages between communities. There is also a transformation of integration policies that challenge the notions of ‘the freedom of movement’ and ‘right to hospitality’. These rights are re-negotiated at the national level, and ‘integration’ is re-defined through the concepts of ‘multiculturalism’, ‘interculturalism’, ‘(super)diversity’ and ‘cohesion’. The chapter shows the impact of the shifting global political trends on integration policies such as global security and dichotomous approaches to migrant identities.