An angry mob attempts to set fire to a hotel. Inside shelter people who have escaped untold trauma. Many (predominantly white men) take to the streets across the country. They set cars on fire, pelt the police, loot businesses. Fueled by misinformation. Enabled by inequality. It is all a disgrace.
About ten days later the unrest seems to have eased. Then an e-newsletter from an investment adviser drops into my inbox. It contains three points about why immigration is only set to increase. They are so obvious they could have been made by a primary school child.
The author’s main contention appears to be that we have no control. The subtext is that immigration to the ‘Anglo-Saxon nations’ (?!) is increasing and will only make things worse. The man calls for a discussion about immigration. Yet his contribution to any such discussion seems obvious at best, inflammatory at worst.
I have unsubscribed. Seeing the violence and hearing how the narratives are being formed has irked me. Here is my take on what needs to happen.
What to do About Migration?
It’s actually boring. It’s unsexy. It won’t grab any headlines. It will take time. But here is a set of points that take a more inclusive tone than the hate merchants. We need to move towards what the late Professor Bob Deacon called a ‘Global Social Policy’. Let me explain.
The author of the newsletter had some truth in his words. The world is experiencing migration at unprecedented levels. The global population is increasing. Global inequality is increasing. Advancements in transport and communication have accelerated the movement of people seeking better lives.
However, while certain public figures view this all through a lens of fear, we need to approach migration from a healthier perspective. We need to understand and address the root causes while ensuring respect for human dignity.
A long time ago, Professor Deacon impressed upon me the importance of the three R’s; Regulation, Redistribution and Rights.
The Case for Regulation
Effective regulation of migration is critical. The global populace needs to ensure it is safe, legal, and beneficial for all parties involved.
It’s true that current migration patterns show a significant shift towards wealthier nations. These countries are disproportionately affected by incoming migration flows. Developing coherent migration policies requires an understanding of nuance though. Both the capacities and limitations of destination countries and the why of migrants making the journeys.
Regulation should aim to balance these factors. Those making policy need to figure out systems that manage migration while maximizing societal and economic benefits. Implementing comprehensive migration laws, while challenging, is essential for maintaining stability and public trust in government systems.
The Necessity of Redistribution
Redistribution addresses the economic inequalities that often drive migration. Disparities in living standards between countries can motivate people to move to wealthier regions. These are the much-demonized economic migrants.
An effective redistribution policy would focus on enhancing economic opportunities in origin countries. International cooperation is crucial here. We should also be encouraging social protection floors. Meanwhile investment in the infrastructure of these countries should be prioritized.
Such efforts would help mitigate the economic pressures that compel people to leave. Over time this would reduce the intensity of migration flows.
Upholding Rights
A rights-based approach to migration is fundamental. Every individual, regardless of their origin, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
This approach involves ensuring that migrants have access to basic services and legal protections. It also means actively combating xenophobia and racism. These often cloud public discourse around migration. Something not helped by public figures fanning the flames.
Policies founded on universal human rights will help integrate migrants more effectively into host societies. This promotes social cohesion. Upholding these rights enhances the social fabric of destination countries.
Practical Steps
To implement these three Rs effectively, global cooperation is imperative. The media would have us believe that the world is constantly on the brink of all-out war. Why do we ignore the many triumphs of human cooperation?
Practical measures might include setting up regional processing centers where asylum claims and migrant flows can be managed collaboratively. Furthermore, investing in multinational task forces to tackle human trafficking and smuggling. Democratically agreed-upon policies, developed through transparent processes, will foster legitimacy and compliance.
Final Thoughts
As global migration continues to rise, the need for a constructive, proactive approach becomes urgent. There needs to be a counter-narrative to the intolerance and outright hatred shown on the streets of the UK recently. We should focus the conversation at a higher level on regulation, redistribution, and rights. Only then can we develop migration policies that are fair, just and sustainable.
This piece provides an outline to enrich our societies economically and culturally. It’s time to strengthen the institutions of global governance. I heard a quote recently that if you can achieve your goals in a lifetime then you’re not thinking big enough. While the problems detailed here are massive and pressing, the solutions may outlive some of us.
And it starts with action. What do you have to offer on this? How do you think individuals and communities can lead the wider public towards long-term solutions over immediate and divisive reactions?
