Editorial

Immigration and Racism

Immigration and racism will undoubtedly be two major problems in the coming decades. The two issues are not necessarily the same, but sometimes they are unhappily entwined.

Immigration has changed in the second half of the twentieth century. The ease of travel, the knowledge of other parts of the world, the ability to retain links with the homeland - all mean immigration is different from earlier periods. Immigration may be for political/human rights reasons, for economic reasons, or, as in Europe earlier in the century, from encouragement because of a labour shortage.

Immigration from economic reasons is bound to increase while the world remains so economically divided. The pressure for immigrants to integrate is less when they continue to send money and receive news of the homeland. The cultural differences are also perhaps greater than they have been in the past, with major religions such as Islam becoming a part of the cultural differences.

Germany and France have recently introduced harsh immigration laws - and in common with other parts of Europe, like Britain, have a problem with racist attitudes to immigrants. It is particularly dangerous when ethnic differences combine with racial differences - as for instance in the former Yugoslavia, from whence comes the foul phrase "ethnic cleansing".

What is needed is a serious attempt to lessen the economic divide between the Third world and the West. Also the right of self-determination must be allowed to all individuals in all parts of the world. Finally, a balance must be sought between integration and intermarriage and the preservation of cultural traditions.