Foreigners in Iceland have a generally positive outlook on their life in Iceland, according to a poll conducted by Bifröst business school, despite many reporting growing prejudice towards immigrants.
The study interviewed foreigners living in municipalities throughout Iceland, in the summer and fall of 2009. The purpose of the study was to determine whether and how the participation of immigrants in society had an effect on their outlook of living in Iceland, and how well they felt integrated into society.
Overall, most immigrants reported having a positive experience with their move to Iceland, saying that they generally felt well accepted by others, even while stating that prejudice towards foreigners has increased in the past year.
Many came to Iceland with the intention of working a few years and then leaving, only to later decide to settle here. The greatest reasons for that decision were having bought real estate, having felt that life in Iceland was stable and secure, and that Iceland offered a good future for their children.
Everyone surveyed said they considered it important to learn Icelandic, both in order to participate in society, and because learning the language increases individual independence.
The report as a whole can be read here (.pdf file, in Icelandic).