The consequences of the forced migrations of millions of people each year are felt worldwide, and the plight of migrants has recently come to the forefront of policy makers and the public's attention as masses of people have migrated to Europe seeking asylum from hardships brought on by crises faced at home. This project is currently investigating the historic forced migration of Karelians to southern and central Finland as a result of the Second World War and seeks to understand the long-term consequences of forced migration in order to learn from the past. These migrants encountered many of the same traumas, prejudices and resentments that migrants face today, making the study of this population particularly appropriate for gaining insight into the present and future of European migrants.