Native Europeans are growing increasingly dissatisfied with the existing immigration policies in their respective countries. The conditions in Malta are distinctive for many nations that border the waters closest to North Africa. The frustration spreads across the European continent from the most industrialized nations in the West to the less wealthy new members in the East. National security and economic concerns are the biggest issues in the debate of how innovative immigration policies should be outlined. A clear need exists for an adjustment to the incumbent policies to meet the new circumstances of the 21st century.
We have a reshaped international security setting that has called for a creative approach to counter-terrorism and our national safekeeping. This setting has amplified the suspicion, resentment, and xenophobia among European societies, in which immigrants coexist with natives and compete over jobs, benefits, and wealth. Whereas before, in most European nations racism was almost exclusively derived from a small minority of belligerent groups that openly took an aggressive xenophobic stance, today the dislike of foreigners is omnipresent and corresponds to a palpable trait that runs through the whole continent . An increasing percentage of the population resents immigrants who are faulted for the majority of societal problems: criminality, decadence, and unemployment .
On the other hand, mainland Europe takes pride in being a union of nations that takes its responsibility in striving for equality and welfare in the world and so favors aiding disadvantaged immigrants and refugees. On a more selfish note, there is a desperate need for immigration, as the continent is struggling with low birth rates and an aging population that exceeds average figures?issues that represent a threat to the future of Europe?s welfare and eco-political status. Immigrants from North Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere are needed for the continents? workforce despite what the unemployment rates illustrate. Countries such as Italy and Sweden , in fear of what their nations will look like in a few decades, have long battled this issue by introducing generous incentives that encourage young families to have and raise children, but to little avail. Thus, immigrants are greatly needed, and policymakers are well aware of that; hence, a compromise is crucial.
This compromise must consist of an alteration of the existing immigration laws so that they better meet the requirement of today?s society. Europe has repeatedly been criticized for its lax immigration laws that have enabled terrorists to build safe havens, finance their networks, and plan their atrocious strikes. They have also been condemned for overlooking grave local matters such the free preaching of hate in mosques, many of which harbored recognized terrorists. Consequently, laws must be amended.
Parallel with combating terrorism, the modifications ought to include an effort to ease racial tensions and prevalent xenophobia, factors that have and will continue to lead to violence . The social integration of migrants has to be prioritized . Furthermore, in order to respond to their constituents? appeals (as their duty and job calls for), lawmakers have to ensure greater safety on the streets and a decrease of crimes rates and unemployment figures. A more responsible immigration policy should fulfill all prerequisites, and one way to assure this might be to introduce regulations that may be perceived as hard-lined but nevertheless are of indispensable importance: to make certain that all immigrants get fully assimilated into their host societies. According to many, learning the language, adhering to cultural norms, and respecting and understanding the new country?s traditional values are rules that Europeans can implement if they want to improve the situation and dare to challenge vocal critics. A number of countries such as for example Denmark and Austria have adopted these kinds of guidelines to the apprehension of many; nonetheless, their citizens are contented.
Surely, it will be difficult to introduce sharper regulations, as the risk of being called racially prejudiced exists. But, it is only by modifying the existing laws in a conscientious and educated manner that Europe can find a way out of the present disarray.
