Integration Programs for Immigrant Muslim Women in Washington State: Programs that Muslim Women Need After Moving to King County Area

Abstract

This study examines the accessibility of integration programs that immigrant Muslim women need after they moved to Washington State. Using a mixed-method research design consisting of quantitative and qualitative data collected on (n=111) Muslim Women in King County Washington. This study examines two central questions: How does Muslim woman’s cultural identity influence her ability to integrate into the new society? Second, what type of programs do immigrant Muslim women need to integrate into their new society? To answer these questions, a survey was conducted with the participation of immigrant Muslim Women who reside in King County area and attend a mosque in the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS). Results of this study indicate that there is an inconsistency in terms of access to language, citizen rights, understanding American culture, and integration classes. Further, the majority of Muslim women did not access any programs since their move to the Washington State. Muslim women also reported experiencing marginalization because of their hijab, resulting in feelings of depression, which confirms the relationship between cultural identity and integration process. However, the results showed that immigrant Muslim women are happy with their life in the United States overall.