What happens when they come of age? Social integration challenge of unaccompanied young foreigners in an adverse socioeconomic context

Abstract

The current article aims to investigate the situation of social integration of unaccompanied young foreigners who are in the Basque Country. They are youngsters who arrive to Spain/Basque Country being minors, condition that provide them protection until they reach the age of majority. At this moment, they automatically get full legal capacity and they find themselves helpless. Moreover, the current socioeconomic context, which is characterized by a deep economic crisis, it seriously harms them. The objective is to show the vulnerability presented by young migrants tackling the process of emancipation and social integration. It is also wanted to demonstrate how the social support acquired from the relationships maintained with autochthonous families helps them face that processes. In this regard, it is noted the need to provide more resources and change integration strategies so that they adapt to the new social context. The information has been collected from an analysis of interviews conducted to young migrants, social educators and experts in the field.