Integration expert: 70 percent of migrants are actually integrated into society
An integration expert confirmed that the majority of migrants in Austria are successfully integrated into society, warning that the public debate overly focuses on negative exceptions and ignores the reality of daily coexistence, creating a distorted image of society.
Kenan Güngör stated that about 70 percent of immigrants have been integrated for generations into Austrian society, sharing values, concerns, and daily life with the rest of the population. He emphasized that this reality is rarely reflected in political or media discourse, which often exaggerates individual problems.
Güngör proposed what he called the '70-20-10 formula' to better understand migration communities. While the majority are fully integrated, about 20 percent are seriously trying to integrate but face social and economic difficulties, most of whom are refugees or come from poor backgrounds. He emphasized that integration policies should focus on this group through targeted and mandatory support.
As for the remaining ten percent, they are – according to him – groups that reject integration, including extremist currents or categories that do not respect democratic values. Güngör believed that dealing with these cases should be through clear and firm legal procedures, away from generalizations or emotional discourse.
Güngör criticized current policies for their lack of data-driven analysis, instead relying on a discourse of fear. He warned that linking Islam as a whole to integration problems leads to what he described as 'emotional disintegration' among integrated Muslims, deepening polarization and undermining any successful integration policy.
As for the remaining ten percent, they are – according to him – groups that reject integration, including extremist currents or categories that do not respect democratic values. Güngör saw that dealing with these cases should be through clear legal procedures.