#29 Wanted or unwanted? The truth about immigration in Europe
Immigration isn’t the problem—failing to manage it is
1. Immigration Needed
Europe’s Demographic Crisis
Europe is shrinking—fast.
The continent’s fertility rate has plunged from 1.57 births per woman in 2010 to just 1.46 in 2022, far below the 2.1 replacement level needed to sustain the population. In France, births have fallen ~20% in the last decade, the lowest since World War II. Germany’s birth rate has dropped from 1.58 in 2021 to 1.35 today, accelerating its demographic decline.
Fewer births mean fewer workers, an aging population, and mounting pressure on social systems as fewer people pay taxes and more people demand pensions.
Without immigration, Europe faces an irreversible demographic and economic collapse.
Immigrants: The Backbone of Essential Sectors
Immigrants don’t “take jobs”—they do the jobs others won’t.
In agriculture, forestry, and fishing, immigrants outnumber natives 3 to 1.
In cleaning and domestic help, it’s 4 to 1.
In Spain, 60% of hospitality workers are foreign-born.
These aren’t “low-value” jobs. They are essential for keeping economies running. Remove immigrants, and these industries collapse.
2. Immigration Wanted
If immigration is necessary, why the backlash? Let’s tackle the main concerns.
Economic Fears
“Immigrants are a drain on the economy.”
Wrong. Immigrants are economic powerhouses. They fill labor shortages, drive growth, and contribute more in taxes than they receive in benefits. For instance, Spain's recent economic boom is partly due to its welcoming stance on immigration, filling critical labor gaps and stimulating growth.
The real issue isn't immigrants taking jobs; it's bureaucracy. Getting work permits is slow. Language barriers remain. Skills training is lacking. Fix these, and immigration becomes an even greater economic win.
Some say, “There’s no welfare state with immigrants not working.” The truth? There’s no welfare state without immigrants working.
Social Concerns
“Immigrants don’t share our values.”
While cultural differences exist, Europe's core values are non-negotiable. Religious freedom is one thing; compromising on women’s rights or LGBTQ+ equality is another. Europe has spent decades advancing these rights—we can’t go back.
Integration is a two-way street. We must welcome newcomers, but they must also respect the rights and freedoms that define Europe. It's about mutual respect, not sacrificing our hard-won social progress.
Crime Concerns
“Immigrants commit more crimes.”
Headlines love this narrative. The truth? The data is inconclusive. Here, here & here. Some studies show immigrants overrepresented in crime stats, but overrepresentation doesn’t mean causation.
The real issue isn’t immigration—it’s poverty and exclusion. Many immigrants land in low-income, high-crime areas due to weak integration policies. And when compared not to the general population, but to people of the same socio-economic status, they commit no more crimes than their native-born peers.
Blaming crime on immigrants is lazy politics. The real threat? A system that fails to integrate people properly, creating the very conditions that fuel crime.
Conclusion: Immigration is essential. But left unmanaged, it creates economic, social, and security challenges. The real question is: how do we manage it?
3. Immigration Managed
Let’s be honest—managing immigration is tough. There’s no simple fix, no silver bullet. But complexity is no excuse for inaction. Ignoring the problem only makes it worse.
While we may not have all the answers, here are some ideas to start getting it right:
1. Control the Borders
Over the past decade, Europe has seen a significant surge in immigration. While many bring skills and a strong work ethic, an unregulated flow strains resources and hampers integration efforts.
We need efficient border control to ensure we can manage and support those who enter.
2. Forge Real Partnerships
Stopping illegal migration means tackling why people leave. That means:
Cracking down on human traffickers.
Investing in economies of origin countries.
Reaching real agreements for returning undocumented migrants.
3. Make Integration Work
Immigrants must work and contribute—fast. That means:
Streamlining work permits.
Mandatory skills & language training.
Clear expectations: If you refuse to work or integrate, there must be consequences.
Think of it like a business. Companies onboard employees to succeed. Why wouldn’t countries do the same?
Chapter 4: Not the American Dream
Imagine leaving everything behind, chasing the dream of Europe—only to find yourself stranded, exploited, and invisible. Ousman Umar, a good friend who immigrated from Ghana, survived the brutal Sahara, watched friends die along the Mediterranean Sea, and arrived in Barcelona with nothing but despair.
His story isn’t unique.
The current immigration system is failing—failing the migrants, failing the countries receiving them. We can’t keep looking the other way. This isn’t just Europe’s problem—it’s global. Immigration must be managed, not ignored.
Because when done right, it’s not a crisis. It’s an opportunity.
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