Political Participation of Immigrants in the EU: Challenges and Tools

The political participation of immigrants is often seen as an indicator of their integration into the host society. This is because it demonstrates an interest in the functioning of the host society. Political participation is seen as linked with political representation and equality, whereas integration "suggests (at minimum) 'equal access to the important institutions of society and equal participation in the economic and political spheres'". Alternately, to be when one is excluded from the political process they are without an important tool to change the policies that affect them and others. Community input in political life is central to the idea of democracy. Areas of immigrant political participation commonly discussed include voting rights, civil rights, industrial rights, citizenship, associations, and consultative bodies. This paper will look focus on the latter two as entities that have the potential to mobilize and facilitate participation. It will examine types of political participation, challenges that those with an immigration background face in participating, government approaches to the political incorporation of immigrants in the European Union, and tools of political mobilization. While immigrants do face obstacles and restrictions to participation as compared to native-born populations, they have the ability to play a role in informing policy, particularly that related to integration. 
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