Immigration has had a major influence on the demographics and culture of the Western world. Immigration to the West started happening in significant numbers during the 1960s and afterward,[1] as Europe made its post-war economic recovery and the United States passed the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 allowing non-European immigration.[2][3][4][5]
Immigration to the West has often been related to the West's colonial history; for example, immigration to Britain historically has come largely from former British colonies (often part of the broader Commonwealth) such as the South Asian nations.[6][7] Wars that Western countries have recently been involved in, and the fallout or flows of refugees associated with them, have also been tied to the inflow of immigration.[8]
Significant debate has taken place around the economic and other benefits associated with immigration (particularly for low-skilled workers),[9][10] with Western governments often more in favor of immigration than their constituents.[11] Debate has also taken place around both the theory and current state of integration of the immigrants, with some favoring multiculturalism as a solution.[12]
In the United States, theories around immigration have historically revolved around the metaphor of a melting pot, wherein different kinds of immigrants would eventually become more homogeneous and Americanized over time,[13] with such effects seen even today.[14]
See also: White Australia policy |
See also: Multiculturalism |
See also: European immigration to the Americas and Europeans in Oceania |
There is significant migration between the countries of the European Union, where there is freedom of movement.[15] Migration between OECD countries is also notable, though sometimes limited by cultural differences.[16]
See also: Immigrant invasion |
Backlash to immigration has impacted Western politics significantly;[17][18] for example, Britain's decision to leave the European Union was informed partly by some of its voters' desire to reduce immigration.[19] This backlash has helped far-right politics become more prevalent.[20]
See also: Open border |
There has been an increase in anti-immigration sentiment in the West in relation to illegal immigration.[21][22] In the United States, right-wing politicians have called for a border wall with Mexico,[23][19] and in European politics, accusations have been made of a "Fortress Europe" mentality.[24][25]
See also: Multiculturalism and Islam and Islamo-leftism |
American responses to Muslim immigration have been influenced by the September 11 attacks.[26][27] Within Europe, there has been a concerted backlash to Muslim immigration. Some feel that Muslim Europeans do not fully embody Western values,[28] while others have focused on publicizing various violent incidents perpetrated by Muslims.[29]
Some members of the Muslim diaspora have become more religious over time, either in response to hostility, or as a result of newer generations seeking a connection with their ancestral homeland and practices.[30]
In Europe, certain countries have banned elements of Muslim-associated culture, as is the case with France's burqa ban.[31]
Main article: Islamic terrorism in Europe |
Attention has been called to the rise of "lone-wolf" Islamist terror in Europe, which is partially motivated by anger from some European-born Muslims against their former colonial masters, and how it differs from the relative success of North America in ameliorating native-born Islamic terrorism.[32][33]
See also: Nativism (politics), Resistance to diversity efforts in organizations, and Christian nationalism |
Some oppose immigration on the basis that it increases cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity in a way that threatens native cultures and can impair social integration.[34][1][35]
This resistance has been noted in the context of the European Union after it expanded to include Eastern Europe, as many migrated towards Western Europe.[36]
See also: The Death of the West |