After reading several British online articles, it seems that the Eastern European wave of immigration to Great Britain is still one of the top subjects of the concerned British citizens. Because of the sheer numbers (800,000 or more), Poles are singled out as the one nationality that is overtaking the fragile British job market. In my previous post "
Can Brits accept Poles living in Britain?", I had a chance to discuss the subject with the interested parties.
As a Polish immigrant living in the US for 19 years, I understand the pushback and worries of the native population when it comes to a rapid influx of a foreign culture. I probably shouldn't mention native population realizing the fate of the native American Indians. All my Polish friends traveled the same immigrant road so both sides have valid arguments.
Perhaps US is a bit different when it comes to treatment of the immigrants but the struggle of the new immigrants is very similar. Lack of English language skills, unknown environment, learning how things work, getting around bureaucracy, and homesickness are the roadblocks of every immigrant.
So why are the Brits are so afraid of the new immigrants?
- They don't understand the culture and language. All the sz, rz, cz, dz sounds just don't make any sense.
- They think that the immigrants steal their jobs. The BIG question is which jobs?
- They want the immigrants to blend in and fully adopt the British culture. For the most part the tea time and cucumber sandwich.
- They are afraid of the whole social warfare system collapse. I would deflect that worry toward the non-European refugees. Let's leave it at that.
- They want the immigrants to pay their fair share of taxes. I suspect that most of them do already.
- They can't deal with the increase of the crime. Statistics dear Watson!
Those are my 6 more important worries. Feel free to comment and add more below.
Why Brits should be grateful for the new Eastern European immigrants?
- Kids of the immigrants will basically pay for your retirement. This is a big one.
- Your aging population will get a healthy kick of working-age, young workers.
- Your stiff culture will be injected with revitalized and lively traditions. Get ready for some kielbasa, pierogi, bigos, makowiec, Wielkanoc, Boze Narodzenie, Constituion Day… the list goes on.
- Your country will save tons of money on trade education since Poland and other counties already paid for the training. In return, you can spend money on our kids who will repay you in about 50 years.
Recently, BBC came out with a great documentary about Eastern European immigrants in a town of Peterborough. The best comment: Part 3 @ 5:29. Watch it and draw your own conclusion.
