ASSIMILATION EXPERIENCES OF MIGRANTS IN HELON HABILA'S TRAVELERS

Migration from one country to another is a complex psychosocia1 process with lasting effects on an individual's identity. The experience of rst migrating and then, attempting to integrate in a destination society is practically and interactionally formidable. This paper evaluates the experiences of immigration and assimilation experiences of migrants to decipher how the social processes of interaction affect and effect migrants' experiences in host countries. Using Social Psychology as a stand point, this paper argues that migration experiences highlighted in Helon Habila's Travelers indicate that migrants experience stereotyping and stigmatization experiences that have to do with cultural, class, and racial discrimination. These daunting experiences during the process of dynamic shifts in culture and identity results in certain relational challenges between the cultures which are about to 'clash'. The paper concludes by suggesting how incorporating social psychological perspectives into migration and assimilation can aid the political, social and economic mechanisms that will ensure mutual respect for migrants who are seeking better lives through migration.

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