This exploratory study looks at the prairie adjustments and the social integration of refugees from El Salvador to the western Canadian city of Regina. Qualitative in design, a snowball sample of 12 Salvadorans in Regina participated in this study. Taped, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were used, giving the Salvadorans the opportunity to tell their stories, identify any barriers to integration that they have encountered, and suggest pratical solutions to remove those barriers. The data analysis used the constant comparison method, and three major themes emerged that impacted social integration: employment, discrimination, and community identity. Clearly divided on a "Left-Right" political orientation, the two sides carry past tensions and conflicts to their new home. In addition, the tensions create suspicion and distrust inhibiting adjustment and integration into the larger western culture. However, their children do not share these past perspectives and show evidence that they lack interest in carrying on old conflicts. Recommendations for social, educational and economic initiatives to enhance the integration of Salvadorans to the west are discussed in the article.

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Canada prairie Acculturation refugee Latino people immigrant population