Social Integration
Foreign-Born New Yorkers' Access to Health Insurance
Social integration is defined as the ability of foreign-born New Yorkers to experience membership in the communities in which they settle. Many forces shape social incorporation; including the ability to access social services and exercise rights as their native-born counterparts; and the context of reception. The Institute is collecting primary data from foreign-born New Yorkers to deepen understanding of the state of social integration.
Measuring Social Integration
Social integration is measured by the extent to which foreign-born New Yorkers:
- feel a sense of connectedness, support, and belonging in their local communities, and experience a positive and welcoming climate;
- are able to access services needed;
- are able to communicate in the dominant English language;
- Have an overall sense of mental well-being (multicultural orientation, resilience, and self-concept).
The Institute has partnered with community-based organizations serving immigrants in each region of the state to collect data on social integration. Community-based organizations will distribute a survey that will collect perceptions of social integration of foreign-born New Yorkers.
The survey and accompanying flyer are available in 9 languages. Data and analysis will be posted on the Data Gateway once they become available.