Article...

                                  Immigration and related issues

Introduction

          Since ancient times, immigration in all its forms has been a source of conflict both for governments and societies that receive it. Immigration is not only the product of historical, religious, political and economic tensions but natural disasters and climate change may be  reasons enough for leaving one´s birthplace. Traditionally, powerful countries have characterized for receiving immigration waves while other less fortunate for producing it. Many developed nations that are considered immigration receptors like Australia, see these arrivals as a beneficial aspect of modern societies since they offer the opportunity of valuable human resources necessary for production or work force. Nevertheless, natives sometimes feel they bring poverty and unemployment and that they are a threat for local customs and religions . In this paper three aspects of immigration will be dealt with, beginning with an analysis of issues related to illegal immigration, following with a brief look at the daily struggle that newcomers experience in the new community and finally, issues concerned with refugees will be discussed.

Illegal immigration

            Generally, in order to be accepted as member in a new country, foreigners are required to fulfill certain requirements.  Since many of them do not have access to the documentation or permissions necessary, they enter the new territory illegally. This is a very informal status and it generally forces them to survive without basic access to health systems, education or formal economy. In a way they are forced to live in poverty, overexploited by unscrupulous employers who take advantage of cheap work force. Governments pass laws restricting illegal arrivals and are trying hard to deal with this tension but in general illegal settlers are the focus of deportations. In the United States alone, there are more than four million illegal residents that are waiting for any solution. Many of them will be fortunate enough to be accepted as legal residents but the immense majority will face prison charges and deportations.

Difficulties related to being an immigrant

            It might seem obvious that not all the newcomers whose status is that of an immigrant have the same opportunities when they try to establish themselves in the new country. It is true that some of them arrive with enough preparation and skills that allow them to settle fairly easily. This could be the case of professionals and students who fulfill most requirements to adapt. This it is not the case of the majority. The less fortunate ones enter with minimal preparation, unable to speak local languages and struggling with different religious beliefs and customs. An example of this would be women of Islamic origin in France where schools do not allow them to wear their traditional hijab.  In this respect, citizens who come to the United States from Spanish speaking backgrounds seem to have an advantage since that nation has a growing Hispanic community where they can interact. Different is the situation of millions of African emigrants   trying to reach Europe through the Mediterranean sea. They bring with them a wide variety of African languages and ancient traditions that are different to the standard languages and lifestyles in Europe, therefore most of them are condemned to surviving in marginal ghettos located in European cities´ poor areas.

The situation of Refugees

        Civil Wars, dictatorial systems, ethnic differences and natural disasters are the main reasons for asking asylum abroad. People who need to escape from troubles in their original nations will have to struggle in the new society trying to find accommodation, job stability and education for their children.  A good example would be that of Cuban citizens trying to establish themselves in the United States during the second half of twentieth century. They were trying to escape from Castro´s persecution of those who did not agreed with the dictatorial rules imposed. In a dictatorship context, ethnic and sexual minorities are among the first groups that decide to seek protection outside.

Conclusion

      Immigration is a general and complex term that involves many different kinds of realities. Such realities vary from those who emigrate with a certain preparation, those whose homeland has been affected by natural disasters or those whose religious beliefs are threatened .Whatever the reasons for beginning a new life in a distant different home , societies could begin to analyze conflicts and also positive aspects  related to immigration  so that  tolerance and respect are enhanced.