The United Kingdom politicians are tripping all over each other trying to see who can be the most vocal about anti-immigration, just as the United States is preparing to debate new legislation reforming our immigration policies.
Why is anti-immigration such a popular bandwagon in merry in the United Kingdom? According to the washingtonpost.com:
UKIP’s ability to spark a policy stampede without even winning a seat in Parliament underscores the increasing capability of anti-immigrant forces to set the agenda amid Europe’s economic malaise. An issue at the core of the party’s platform is the withdrawal of Britain from the European Union to stem the tide of immigration — as an E.U. member, Britain is legally bound to allow the citizens of 24 other European countries to resettle here with few restrictions — which speaks to the concerns of a continent where a debt crisis and high employment are increasingly making foreigners the target of popular rage.
That fear is surging as countries including Britain, Germany and France prepare for new flows of migrants from two of Europe’s poorest countries — Bulgaria and Romania, whose citizens will win unlimited access to the E.U.’s labor market as of Jan. 1.
Ultimately, being in the European Union spells disaster for Great Britain because there is unfettered entry into those countries that make up the United Kingdom, even from countries on the verge of bankruptcy. Those coming into the country are often eligible for the same benefits as citizens.
Most of these issues don’t even deal with illegal immigration, although that also is problematic to the UK. In the past, the UK has suffered from immigration that has arisen from the “sun never setting on the British Isles.” Many of the Brits I know are very xenophobic.
For EU members, all members of the European Union have open borders with each other. Maybe I should get Mr. Howler to process those Irish citizenship papers, move to England and go get benefits. That would be allowed so I can see why those living in the United Kingdom are frantically trying to put some serious stop gap measures in place.
Further Reading: Washington Post
I think a lot of the problem in England, as well as France, is that they are being overrun by Muslims from various countries.
And the immigrants do not assimilate.
What is “citizenship” equated to in Europe? I know the United States is unique in it’s view of immigration. Let me share what I mean. As much as we seem to abhor the “new” group of immigrants, eventually, as history is showing right now, in the end, we figure it out and push back against denegrating the new “other”. Europe is not built upon the same principal. We have birthright, I don’t believe that the Eurpean countries have such a status. it makes assimilation so much more challenging. I would be very interested to read about the differences.
“many of the new arrivals are catholic” at least this is what is reported in this story.
Interesting, immigrant stories remain the same. Looking for a better life. “migration is small price to pay for EU membership” says a council member of this small town.
I think they are more worried about having to provide benefits for bunches of non-UK people. Their economy is better than most in the EU.
I think ‘otherness’ is an entirely different problem…no less important but different. Its that sun never sets on the British Isles concept that got them in THAT problem.
Cargo is right that some of the otherness is caused by non-assimilation. I wouldn’t limit it to muslims though.
@Moon-howler
Yes, you’re right, it is more than Muslims, but it is the Muslims that want to live by Sharia law and don’t want to be “British”. We have sort of had that issue here in the past–the enclaves of immigrants, particularly in large cities–Little Italy, Little Saigon, Chinatown, etc. I have a Chines friend who doesn’t not call himself “Chinese-American”–he uses the “ABC”, American Born Chinese.
@George S. Harris
The article never mentioned anything about Muslims, stupid. The problems arise with perfectly legal migrants from east Europe taking jobs and depressing wages. British consumers need to realize that cheap labor keeps prices for goods and services low. There are benefits for consumers.
@George S. Harris
Is he causing a problem though?
Are his kids Americans?
In many ways that is pretty typical. I would consider myself an American regardless of where I lived, even if I had no plans of returning here.
Moon–he’s a second maybe third generation American Born Chinesae with a PhD. Yes, kids are Ame
Then I doubt if he will change. I find that strange that he doesnt feel more allegiance to this country. What does he say if you were to ask him?
@Starry flights
Did you just insult George by outright calling him “stupid?”
And here I thought this was a place of civility?
@Starry flights
Thanks for the “stupid” comment–particularly form someone who is no t even sure enough of his/her self to post under his/her own name. I hadn’t been called “stupid” all day–thanks again.
Thanks Cargo–we may not agree on much but this did take the cake.
PS–the WaPo article does mention Muslims and the hidden message is that it is not just jobs, it is the fact that these immigrants are not assimilating.
What “hidden message”? Is it written in invisible ink somewhere? I didn’t read anything about Muslims.
Anyways, sorry for calling you stupid. One should not make fun of retards.
@Starry flights
I don’t know who you are or what you are since you have chosen to hide behind a nome de plume; however, I would just say re: “stupid” and “retards”–it takes one to know one.
It appears obvious to me that you know absolutely nothing about the problems that Britain and France are having with immigrants of the Muslim persuasion, regardless of which country they come from. There has been great concern that as the Muslim population continues to grow, they will eventually reach a tipping point where they can demand that they be allowed to be governed by Sharia law. That day will be one that Britain and France will rue.