I've lived in Belgium & Austria. Both required me to register with the state within a certain time of arrival. I provided a copy of my employment contract and my lease. That system meant the state knew I was there and contributing. And I had the security of documented residence.
I recently suggested that a registration system like that might be a further way for us to prove that citizens from other countries are providing a net benefit to our society, and failed to make myself clear on that point. So to clarify...
I've spent the last two years arguing, in tandem, the benefits of immigration, alongside our ability to control it. Precisely because I know that there will be those who won't be convinced by the former so the latter is my "backstop".
It is not racist to be financially struggling at the economic bottom of society, with insufficient resources in your area, wonder whether more people might mean fewer resources for your family and therefore need to be convinced that immigration is a benefit.
Now, if you're made aware of the fact that immigrant citizens contribute more in tax and personnel to our economy/public services than they take out, but you're still anti-immigrant, then that's xenophobic.
But we (myself included) have got to be more precise with our words.
But we (myself included) have got to be more precise with our words.
Left must address immigration head on:
1) We know immigration is a net benefit to the economy
2) Academics are split on the effect on lowest earners' wages (I think most say negligible)
3) Logical conclusion: It's the government's responsibility to distribute the benefit fairly
1) We know immigration is a net benefit to the economy
2) Academics are split on the effect on lowest earners' wages (I think most say negligible)
3) Logical conclusion: It's the government's responsibility to distribute the benefit fairly
