The Representation of the Collective Identity of Foreign Immigrants

One of the most significant issues related to international migrants is their Collective identity and how they integrate into host societies or tend towards their society of origin, possibly forming separate communities within the host society. This issue has attracted the attention of researchers, intellectuals, and policymakers for several decades, resulting in extensive studies and investigations in different countries. The present study, which addresses the theoretical dimensions of the issue of foreign migrants and relies on some field studies in Iran and globally, pursues two goals: first, to identify the most important identity issues related to international migrants, and second, to examine the factors affecting their collective identity. The main issues are categorized into four dimensions: Historical Contexts, Issues Arising from the Society of Origin, Issues Arising from the Host Society, and Generational Challenges including cultural transmission, identity deficiencies, and globalization. The conclusions of the article are as follows: 1. The behaviors of immigrants in the host country largely arise from their collective and historical identity, 2. Immigrants always struggle with cultural similarities and differences in the host society; 3. Immigration causes gradual changes in the identity of new generations of immigrants; 4. Governments influence the identity of immigrants through the formulation and implementation of immigration, education, and employment policies; and 5. In identity issues, the second and third generations of immigrants are more inclined to accept the culture of the host society than that of the society of origin.