BICC Working Paper 5\2019 by Simone Christ analyses integration processes of refugees in Germany, particularly taking the situation in North Rhine-Westphalia into account.

The Working Paper is based on almost two years of field research that includes expert interviews, interviews with displaced people, and participatory observation in a shelter for displaced people. The Working Paper documents both the experiences of people who fled to North Rhine-Westphalia 20 to 40 years ago as well as those of people who have arrived since 2014. Both groups of displaced persons agreed that learning the German language, access to the labour market and housing are essential for their lives and everyday life in Germany.