Immigration has become one of the main controversial political problems in the Europe. For instance, subsequent public protest has highlighted that immigration has absolutely become a main issue in the European societies. This is so because little is known to what motivates political actors to support or oppose it and since it create diverse society. Similarly, many European countries are confronting the challenges of ethnic relations and social cohesion linked with immigration. Therefore, we will evaluate why Europe has become a net recipient of immigrants.
The patterns of migration flow have changed with time and the size of the composition of migrant populations reflects both current and historical patterns. Therefore, the current immigration in Europe is attributed to historical patterns of migration and social differences. After the civil war, the States of what resulted in European Union became a common destination for immigrants from various countries. Similarly, the immigration in Europe is due to respond to the consequences of the second world war and political convulsions in Eastern Europe, Middle East and elsewhere (Valk 145). This is so because in Europe, immigration does not fit into construction of identities of the most nation states because they define themselves in bounded ethnic terms. The demographic fact is that Germany has a large foreign-born population. However, the often mocked official position that Germany is not a country of immigration’s is greatly accurate in describing how ethnic minorities fit into the political community (Marc 25).
In order to understand the motives and causes of immigration, it is vital to take account of immigrant social status because the various groups differ in educational and socioeconomic capital (Hainmueller and Michael 399). For instance, some immigrant are highly qualified employees with their education certificates who migrated to improve their economic opportunities. There are also asylum seekers and guest workers from southern Europe from lower socioeconomic groups with little educational background (Tausch 32). However, this group is not successful within European homes because it has shown a higher chance of disrupted vocational careers and employment because the socioeconomic status and educational careers are main factors being considered.
The increase of immigration has resulted in the selective immigration policy. This is not only affecting the demographic structure of migrant population, but it indirectly associated with increases of foreign trade and economic innovations. For instance, this has led Britain to propose that it is going to auction off visas to the highest bidders. This move has received criticism from immigration lawyers because it tends to create an eBay culture of permanent United Kingdom immigrant (Downs 243). This proposal casts a different light on immigration because they are currently seen to have a significant resource that can counteract the negative consequences of aging European populations. For instance, in the Germany the immigration policy is not only guided by the principle of attracting highly educated migrants, but also a goal of preventing age and generational imbalances.
In a recap, the immigration in Europe has both positive and negative consequences. This is so because they complicate the balance between unity and diversity. Therefore, the current debate about immigrations is who should be allowed to come and how many based on the economic and the cultural dimensions. On the economic perspective, there is debate about the consequences of immigration for wage level, employment and public finance. On the cultural side, migration has a long ancestry consequence. Therefore, proper immigration policy should be implemented to resolve this issue and find a way forward.
Works Cited
Downs, William. "Social Democracy's Strategic Quandary: Responses to Immigration Challenges and Issue Capture in Europe." Perspectives on European Politics and Society 12.2 (2011): 242-262. Print.
Hainmueller, Jens, and Michael, Hiscox. "Educated Preferences: Explaining Attitudes Toward Immigration in Europe." International Organization 61.2 (2007): 399-442.. Print.
Marc, Helbling. “Framing Immigration in Western Europe.” Journal of Ethnic & Migration Studies, Vol. 40 Issue 1, p21-41.
Tausch, Arno. "‚Getting Asylum Seekers into Employment‘? – A panacea for European immigration policy?" Stratfor Analysis 43.5 (2012): 30-34.
Valk, Huisman. "Migration patterns and immigrant characteristics in North-Western Europe." European Journal of Epidemiology40.9 (2011): 143-146.
