POLICY FEASIBILITY AND IMMIGRANT ABSORBTION IN A MASS IMMIGRATION CONTEXT

Iris Geva‐May

Review of Policy Research, 1998, vol. 15, issue 2‐3, 226-266

Abstract: The issue of‐whether, and to what extent, immigrants should be assisted in the integration process by government‐initiated programs has been a long‐standing policy concern in countries exposed to waves of immigration. In Israel, where the raison d'tre of the state is to be a homeland for any person of the Jewish tradition who wishes to join Israeli society, issues of assistance to immigrants are ascribed particular importance. This study evaluated the re‐training policy of the Israeli government for Soviet immigrant scientists as an immediately available employment and integration solution. The policy was initiated following the mass immigration from the former USSR during 1989–1991. The scientists were re‐trained to teach science in high‐schools. The investigation focuses on the impact of this policy as an immediate absorption solution, the impact of retraining offered by universities on employment and professional performance, and the benefit to the host educational system. Technical feasibility and its role in decision making will be discussed. The degree of feasibility of this policy and the re‐training models identified in this study may point to a valid policy approach in countries where major social changes, such as immigration or recession, occur. Thus the study and its findings are important to other immigration contexts in that it allows for policy transfer, borrowing and adaptation based on proof of policy feasibility.

Date: 1998
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