Reflections on the question of the integration of asylum seekers in the canton of Neuchâtel

Abstract

The debate on the integration of foreigners in Switzerland, a multicultural country in its roots and origins, is in constant tension with the protectionist and patriotic tendencies common to many parts of the planet. Those «others», strangers who act differently, who are difficult to place in any sector of society, generate unrest amongst the natives. In the case of expatriates for political reasons, the status of refugee or of political asylum seeker is a heavy identity badge to carry. A simplistic outlook places the asylum seeker on the axis of criminality and  drug traffic. Individual cases are ignored as well as the violence to which they are subjected by the same system and the laws of political asylum. In contrast to strictly closed federal policy related to the integration asylum seekers, in the canton of Neuchâtel there is space to debate on the need to involve this group in the social dynamics. The research put forth in these pages, aims to analyze the different actions carried out in the Canton of Neuchâtel in favour of the integration of asylum seekers and the impact these actions have on this group. We propose to observe the path followed by the asylum seeker through the different institutions in order to gain insight into the effort involved and the obstacles found on the way.