Historically, long, long ago there were no immigrants only migrants. The modern definition of immigrant is "the action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country". Ancient humans only migrated, they had to follow the game, the food supply. Small groups, tribes if you will followed their meat supply and as they depleted that supply they would move on. With farming, came some permanency and the possibility of immigration. Why even discuss the difference. Well, the rise of terrorism has created a new, almost tsunami like wave after wave of migrants seeking safety, shelter, food. Do they ever want to return to their homes? Probably not if the conditions remain that forced them to flee, but the pull of "home" is a strong almost gravity type force. And the overall problem today and it is sad to say, though all people today are descendants of immigrants, many do not want the fleeing migrants to become immigrants in their country
Enter the myth of "The Great Melting Pot". The idea that all immigrants who have come to America over the years have melted together to become not who they were, but now "American". This is basically a myth. go for example to many small towns in American that have a strong cultural base from, Germany, Sweden, etc or to neighborhoods in cities that are Irish, Italian, Puerto Rican, Chinese on and on. Of course this American system of non melting works and the culture of America is diverse and to many a great strength.
But and this is a big But, this migration surge has stirred the Far Right thinkers in all countries.
A quick review of the Political Spectrum to explain the Far Right.
From a previous blog
"Spectrum, 'a broad range of conditions or behaviors grouped together and studied under a single title for ease of discussion"(wikipedia). The Political Spectrum is framed by the Far left and Far Right. Actually, it could be said 'framed by violence and dogma'.(me) On the extreme Far Left, revolution against the Haves by the Have Nots and on the extreme Far Right, total control by the Haves over the Have Nots. Strangely, in between is a spectrum of freedom. The ultimate revelation of this freedom spectrum is that as you move to the right, freedom is lost. 'I once had a momentary vision of the future and it was totalitarian.'(me) No freedom, total control by a Tea Party like group. No compromise, only their "truth". History is full of examples of such dictatorships. They were ended by war and revolution."
So the point is that this modern day migration, possible immigration has stirred the Far right in every country because these people are "have nots" And possible future citizens and in democracies, voters. Certainly very, very true in the America vs Mexico situation. The Far Right in America are against immigration for a simple, underlying reason, they will lose political power. This is a dangerous time for democracy in all countries that honor it. Note on the Spectrum analysis movement to the Right means "loss of freedom"
