In this article the marginalization of immigrant youth in Europe and the risk factors they face in daily life are described. We conclude that immigrant youth are more at risk than native youth, but that there is considerable variation among immigrant groups with Maghrebian youth running the highest risks of becoming marginalized. The article depicts the problems immigrant families in Northwest Europe, particularly those from Mediterranean countries, are confronted with in the first period after immigration. Immigrant families appear to be in a state of disharmony upon their arrival in the new country as family members have to accommodate to each other again. Immigrant families with a traditional role pattern are less competent in guiding their children in the acculturation process after immigration than are egalitarian families. Differences between parents and children in acculturation level cause many conflicts, particularly concerning schooling, going out with friends, and arranged marriages. © 1998 Human Sciences Press, Inc.

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