Opposition to immigration facts for kids

Opposition to immigration, also called anti-immigration, is a political idea. It means wanting to limit or control how many people move into a country. When people move from one country to another where they are not citizens, it's called immigration. Sometimes, people move without official permission; this is known as illegal immigration. People who oppose immigration might want small changes to immigration rules, or they might want to stop all immigration. Some even suggest that immigrants already living in a country should return to their home countries.

Why Some People Oppose Immigration

National Identity and Culture

Some people believe that immigration can affect a country's national identity. This identity is how people see themselves as part of a nation. If a country's identity is linked to a specific ethnic group, then new immigrants might be seen as a threat. Studies show that people often care more about national identity than money when thinking about immigration.

However, if a country's identity is open to different cultures, then diversity can be a good thing. For example, in Indonesia, teaching about national unity helped different ethnic and religious groups get along better.

Living Separately: Enclaves

Sometimes, immigrants form their own communities. These can be like neighborhoods where people share the same culture and language. They might not learn the local language well. Some worry that these separate communities could make it harder for everyone to feel united in the country.

Research suggests that these communities can make people within the group feel closer. But they might also make people less tolerant of those outside their group.

Competition for Jobs and Services

One common argument against immigration is about jobs. Some worry that immigrants might take jobs away from people already living in the country. They also worry that immigrants might use public services like healthcare, housing, and schools more, which could cost the country money.

For example, a report in Denmark suggested that strict immigration laws saved the country a lot of money.

Space, Resources, and the Environment

Some people are concerned about the environment. They think that more people, including immigrants, use up more land and resources. This can lead to more buildings, traffic, and pollution. They also worry about using up limited resources like water and energy.

Health Concerns

Sometimes, people worry that immigrants might bring diseases from their home countries. However, groups that promote racism have often used this fear to spread negative ideas about immigrants. They have often made up or exaggerated stories about immigrants and diseases.

Military Unity and Loyalty

Another concern is about military loyalty. If a country is at war with an immigrant's home country, some worry about where the immigrant's loyalty would lie. This can also be a concern if a country needs to ask its citizens to join the military.

Dangerous Journeys for Migrants

Moving to a new country without official permission can be very dangerous. People might face harsh weather, lack of food and water, and violence. Since 2014, thousands of people have died each year on these journeys.

Some argue that making immigration rules very strict might stop people from taking these dangerous trips. In the United States, a policy called "Prevention Through Deterrence" tries to make borders so difficult to cross that people won't try.

Cultural Changes

Immigrants bring their own cultures, traditions, and ways of thinking. These can influence the culture of the new country. Some people might not like these changes. They might worry about new customs clashing with their country's existing rules and values.

Economic Costs to the Country

Some people believe that immigrants cost the government more money than they contribute. This is often linked to healthcare and welfare services. However, immigrants can also help a country's economy, for example, by helping with an aging population.

Experts say that highly skilled immigrants often do better in the job market. This means they are less likely to be a financial burden. The impact depends on many things, like the immigrants' skills, ages, and how well the country helps them settle in.

Helping Home Countries

Some argue that when highly skilled people leave their home countries, it can hurt those countries. This is called "brain drain". The idea is that these people could have helped their home countries grow and improve.

However, many experts disagree. They say there is little proof that limiting people from leaving helps their home countries develop. In fact, money sent home by immigrants, called Remittances, can greatly help developing countries. In 2015, developing nations received $441 billion in remittances. This is much more than the aid given by other countries.

Addressing Root Problems

Immigration often happens because of problems in people's home countries, like war or poverty. Some argue that simply allowing more immigration doesn't fix these problems. Instead, they suggest that leaders should work to solve the root causes of migration.

For example, some suggest helping to end wars or improve stability in troubled regions. This could reduce the number of people who feel they need to leave their homes. It's also been suggested that safe places could be created within people's home countries.

Views on Immigration Around the World

In 2018, a survey in 27 countries showed how people felt about immigration. About 45% of people wanted fewer or no immigrants. Around 36% wanted to keep immigration levels the same. Only 14% wanted more immigrants.

Countries that received the most immigrants often had the highest number of people who wanted fewer immigrants. For example, in European countries, 51% wanted less immigration.

Respondents who indicated they wanted immigrants moving into their country

Country/territory	Fewer/none (%)	About the same (%)	More (%)
Greece	82	15	2
Israel	73	15	9
Hungary	72	22	2
Italy	71	18	5
Russia	67	23	7
South Africa	65	23	11
Argentina	61	28	6
Kenya	60	24	15
Germany	58	30	10
Indonesia	54	31	8
Sweden	52	33	14
Nigeria	50	26	20
Poland	49	36	9
India	45	11	13
Mexico	44	42	11
Tunisia	42	38	20
France	41	42	16
Netherlands	39	49	10
Australia	38	42	18
Brazil	37	44	14
United Kingdom	37	43	16
Philippines	32	46	19
Spain	30	39	28
United States	29	44	24
South Korea	28	52	18
Canada	27	53	19
Japan	13	58	23

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