A comparative analysis of Lithuanian and Latvian immigration policy

The paper aims to reveal the decisive factors and presumptions of Lithuania’s and Latvia’s immigration policy formation. The theoretical model is constructed by using immigration policy theories, presumptions and strategies, possible models of incorporation, role of social actors, and influence of social (non)security. Based on this theoretical model an analysis of Lithuania’s and Latvia’s immigration policy was attempted. The target group of this article is not citizens of EU countries, but integration processes which are connected with, or involved in, the conception of immigration policy. The historically created genesis of society (homogeneous and formed on ethnocentric basis) and presumptions of identity formation affect the formation of a strict immigration policy in Latvia and Lithuania, in order to ensure the social security of society and to maintain ethnic and cultural identity. Temporary immigration policy is institutionalized by realizing statutes of circular immigration policy. In this way the probability of constant immigration is reduced by trying to protect the homogeneity and social security of society. Integration of newly-arrived immigrants is not implemented in Lithuania and Latvia, as the only political and practical means indicated by the European Fund for the Integration of Third-country NationalsPolitikos mokslų ir diplomatijos fakult.Vytauto Didžiojo universiteta