[Immigrants in Switzerland: possibilities and difficulties of integration]

Immigrants find it hard--although not all in the same way--to adapt to the language, the social structure and the way of life of their host country. Different factors overlap: the foreigners' social and cultural background, their education and their adaptability to a foreign environment, their plans for the future, the political and legal situation in the host country as well as the local population's acceptance of and tolerance and respect for a foreign culture. The fact that 75% of all foreigners in Switzerland possess a residence permit can be considered as rather positive; however, this does not necessarily mean that these people are familiar with the local language and way of life. Isolation and a continuously postponed return to the home country are conditions well known even among resident foreigners. Seasonal workers, on the other hand, feel great uncertainty and concern. In critical life situations, for instance caused by illness, accidents or unemployment, the process of rehabilitation can strongly be influenced by earlier living conditions. The Swiss legislation on foreigners as well as the legislation on social security can often bring about fundamental fateful questions. In order to find efficient solutions to the wide range of possible difficulties, a whole-hearted interdisciplinary cooperation is extremely important.