The Immigrant Political Presence in European Cities: Urban Actors' Perspectives

Immigrant and ethnic minority populations constitute important parts of the population of many European cities. There are many forms in which immigrants and minority members, citizens and non-citizens, exercise "active citizenship", including participating in and influencing local politics. But to what extent do established actors and institutions acknowledge such claims to participation and influence? Are cities in Western Europe becoming more inclusive and their political lives more diverse? Academic scholarship has often focussed on immigrant organisations and levels of immigrant and ethnic minority representation in local councils. This paper broadens our perspectives by investigating lesser-known aspects of the immigrant presence in local politics. Drawing on an original survey of urban actors, it first highlights the recognition of immigrant advocats and associations by influential urban actors. Second, we look at the incorporation of immigrant advocacy organisations in local governance networks. We compare both indicators of immigrant political presence across the 20 most populous German and French cities and discuss reasons for differences across cities.