Immigration, Integration and Segregation

Immigration is a sensitive and controversial topic that has been discussed a lot lately. Especially during the Swedish election and the growth of the xenophobic party “The Swedish Democrats” or SD.

Some people claim that increased immigration is not benefiting Sweden and argue that it is the main reason for increased criminality in the country. Others fear that Sweden is welcoming immigrants from the “wrong” part of the world and there is a risk of Islamic radicalisation among this group of immigrants. On the other side some claim that Sweden needs immigrants in order for the country to keep growing both financially and demographically. Welcoming immigrants can be a strategic move in order to prevent a labor shortage in the future.  This discussion has been bitter, hateful and in sometimes inhuman.

I’m definitely not a supporter of SD but I do agree that there should be a limitation of immigration. But I do not support their discriminating attitude against Muslims. I also believe that countries participating and supporting wars should take responsibility for immigrants caused by these conflicts. However, I do not believe that we should put the blame on immigrant because our politics failed to integrate these people in the Swedish society.  New immigration acts are needed. Actions to improve the integration of immigrants that already live in Sweden are required.  There should also be clear demands on what is expected of immigrants when they move to Sweden, and consequences if these rules and demands are not followed.

We also need to create a hope and support youths from non ethnic Swedish background and make them believe that everyone is equal no matter what your skin colour is or what religion you believe in.  These young kids don’t need to commit crime in order to make money.  A job is granted based on your education and your skills, not on your ethnical background.

We should also focus on preventing Islamophobia in our society. I believe that radicalisation on one side (SD) can cause an increased radicalisation on the other side i.e. radical Islamism and vice versa.  Most of the Muslims are considered to be bad, despite the fact that Muslims are a group of people with common religious believe, but most of them have different cultures and different ethnical backgrounds.

It’s 2015 and I expect the mankind to behave more civilized, accept and respect each other and not deride each other's faith, background and appearance. We should work together for a better planet and better well being.

In United Arab Emirates (UAE) Emirati locals are outnumbered in their own country at a ratio 9 to 1. How come UAE is not facing the same problems with immigration that Sweden is facing?


/Maha El Khalil