Inequality and Adolescent Migrants: Results from Youth2000 Survey

Diversity in Aotearoa/New Zealand is increasing, and most rapidly among the youngest age groups. While existing research into young migrants has explored aspects of their lived experiences, there is little work that specifically investigates these from a perspective of inequality. Using data from a series of nation-wide surveys of secondary school students, we found the youth population in Aotearoa/New Zealand to be more diverse than ever before, with growing disparities among migrant groups in legal status in Aotearoa/New Zealand, experience of household, neighbourhood and school deprivation, social connectedness, ethnic discrimination and health. Governments that seek to make migration policy conducive only to labour market needs and ignore its long-term structural and intergenerational consequences will perpetuate ethnic inequalities.