Settlement Intentions of Recently Arrived Immigrants and Refugees in the Netherlands

This study investigates settlement intentions of immigrants and refugees. We combine data from several large-scale surveys collected between 1998 and 2009 in the Netherlands, focusing on the population that has resided in the Netherlands 10 years or fewer (N = 4,151). Results show that Surinamese and Antillean immigrants and Somalian refugees are generally less likely than other groups to intend to stay permanently in the Netherlands. Moreover, results show individual differences in settlement intentions. Specifically, ties to Dutch majority members and cultural integration are important factors that are positively related to settlement intentions, while such intentions are not significantly related to economic integration.