Economical Crisis and Immigration Policies

Economical recession which started from Unites States of America and effected to world over and collapse of the banking system affect every section of society. The efforts of western countries to reform economy and revitalize capitalism as it was done in the great depression of 1929, at the end of world war two and in the 1980s manifest themselves once more. Western countries who tried to zero the government interventions to the market and eliminate social state by neo-liberal policies by the beginning 1980s are nationalizing private banks and accepting certain amount of government intervention to resolve the crisis. The most concrete example on this behavior is implemented by England who is the father of neo-liberal policies known as Thatcherism. In this sense, the model pioneered by England Prime Minister Gordon Brown and might be named as post-liberalism is debated and its adoption by many countries is presented in the media.

As if it is so natural, countries with economical and political conflicts come together and assemble around capitalism. USA President Bush declared this intention by indicating “We must work together to realize the reform of capitalism to overcome the economical crisis; Capitalism has brought prosperity to the people of the World” in a meeting with President of France Nikolas Sarkozy and President of European Commission Manuel Barosso. Moreover, Bush invites World leaders to a “World Summit” to be held in USA in the month of November on the subject of resolutions to the economical crisis. The consecutive meetings of presidents of USA, England, France and Germany are results of efforts to reform the lingering capitalism and a sign of the collapse of economical-politics of USA who supposedly rules the World. Declarations of G8 countries known for their economical power on their intention to widen their platform are an indicator of global power shift.

Shortly, economical crisis brings along a significant change in politics, communal living and market economy. What are being done related to immigrants and refugees in such a context?

The economies of imperialist countries rely on war policies and exploitation, but nonetheless they turn their backs to issues of immigration and refugees which they caused in the first place. The burden of unemployment, poverty, social injustice, social problems caused by the economical crisis is being laid on immigrants once more. England is looking for ways to stop the incoming immigrants. It is told that developed countries including France and Germany are covertly preparing to withdraw given rights to immigrants and to harden immigrant policies to facilitate resolution of economical crisis.

It is amazing that nowadays immigration and refugees are only mentioned with unemployment and human trafficking in the world news. It is advocated that completely unjust and unfounded thesis of “leaving immigrants outside border” would reduce increased unemployment in Europe.

It is obvious that such an approach towards immigrants will have a negative effect on refugees who suffer from security of life and who are in need of international protection. It must be underlined that certain works must be carried on to amplify the sounds of immigrants and refugees in the international public opinion. Human rights defenders and organizations, international organizations and institutions and all who bear a sense of responsibility share this common task. It is of highly importance to perform lobbying activities on immigration and refugees, to debate with politicians and to realize international campaigns and etc. Best Regards