Navigating Two Worlds: New Identity Constructions As Determinants for Successful Integration of New Black Immigrant and Refugee Youth in Canadian Society (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION The article draws from a research project designed to investigate some aspects of the difficulties that Black African immigrant youth undergo in their attempts to integrate into Canadian society. It focuses on the critical issue of identity construction and the struggle to fit into new cultural milieu by new Black immigrant and refugee youth in Canadian society. It reviews some of the existing literature on identity and identity construction of immigrant youth and their relationship to immigrant integration and adaptation. Secondly, the frameworks upon which this study was anchored and the research methodology employed in this study are presented. Thirdly, the research methodology employed for this study is discussed. It then examines the issue of "identity" deconstruction and reconstruction among ethnic minority immigrant youth in Canada and the struggle to "fit in" into the new cultural milieu. A portrait of the family dynamics of these youth that are put under severe strain because of the tension and struggles associated with the integration and adaptation process are also examined. These are backed by some interesting narratives from some of the youth, community leaders and parent participants in the study. I conclude with an analysis of the findings from the study and recommendations for social work intervention with these new immigrant youth in Canadian society.