World Immigration News

(Economics Observatory)The fear of strangers: why do some people reject immigration?

Release Date: 2026-06-26
Media: Economics Observatory
Summary: Western history shows a recurring pattern in which immigrants initially provoke widespread anxiety but gradually become accepted and integrated into society. Groups such as Catholics, Jews, and now Muslims have all faced claims that they would never adopt the values of their new countries. However, historical experience and empirical evidence suggest that these fears have often been exaggerated. Although Muslims in Western Europe tend to hold somewhat more conservative views on issues such as gender equality and homosexuality than non-Muslims, the differences are smaller than many assume, and second-generation immigrants generally become more socially liberal over time.

The author argues that both alarmism and complacency should be avoided. Extremists on both the far right and the Islamist side reinforce each other's narratives by insisting that Islam and Western liberal democracy are fundamentally incompatible. Instead of coercive assimilation measures, such as clothing bans or loyalty oaths, governments should promote genuine integration through practical policies, particularly language acquisition and social participation. While integration presents real challenges, history suggests that gradual accommodation is far more common than inevitable conflict, making evidence-based policies a better response than fear-driven rhetoric.
Tags: World Wide

Released on

Article Title