Conceptions of immigration in Lithuanian society

Using research results from the Institute for Ethnic Studies this article discusses the ways in which Lithuanian society conceives immigration processes. In the course of the discussion the following are clarified: the conception of immigration; the fundamental aspects of an analysis of social attitudes; the dominant relation between the attitudes and migration policy; and the experiences of foreign countries in analyzing the attitudes of society towards immigration. The conceptions of immigration predominant in Lithuanian society are analyzed with respect to the attitudes expressed: social distance and comparative attitudes toward various ethnic groups (including immigrants) are considered, marking distinct categories of immigrants living in Lithuania. Seeking to identify the society’s level of informedness, we evaluate public opinion about the difficulties arising during the process of integration as well as the need for information as expressed by the respondents. Other topics discussed include the dominant forms of direct and indirect contact; the countries from which the immigrants come and the reasons for immigration; and the activities of the immigrants living in Lithuania. In an analysis of society‘s attitudes towards immigration and integration policy, statements about the means used by the state to further the integration of migrants are evaluated. This reveals the ways that Lithuanian society perceives immigration processes and what its dominant image of immigration and immigrants is like