A topic often discussed in Swedish politics is immigration; how many people we can welcome to our country and how they are going to integrate in our society, the best way. However, the debate often escalates and turn into xenophobia (hatred towards foreigners or other unfamiliar groups). Because of the freedom of speech, we have different politic parties and controversial groups that speak about immigrants as people that only causes problem. This mindset influence the society as a whole in having a prejudiced sight on immigrants. For instance, an overall bad view on Muslims and that “all Muslims are terrorists”, which of course is not true.
Integration is an important question in todays day and age. The world is a more global place today than it has ever been before, caused by technology. Also there are a lot of conflicts in the world which forces people to move from their homes to foreign land. When they come to these new cultures, they need to integrate.
If we take a look at our own city, Örebro, we have a problem with segregation caused by the “million program” which was a project with a goal to build as many tenancies as possible, in the 1960-70’s. This project failed in many aspects and now we have a massive problem with ethnic and economic segregation in different living areas in Örebro. Meaning some areas only has houses and some only has tenancies and these areas separates people with different economic assets. In other words, this affects the integration since the people with other cultures and ethnicities decides to live in the same neighborhoods, and do not integrate with the society outside. This also applies to the native Swedes since many do not care or put energy into this matter of integration as well.
Moving on to solutions, our examples on how to integrate immigrants to Sweden and other nations as well…
Firstly; Try not to have a prejudiced view on people who are different and comes from countries which are foreign to you. You might think that you are scared of these changes and new people, but just imagine how terrified they might be. Coming to a new environment , not knowing the language or people. Having a positive approach to immigrants might be the first step to helping and showing them that we care, we help our fellow human beings.
Secondly; Making sure there are activities and organizations they can join, so that they can socialize. For example getting the chance to do their sport, hobby, so that they do not forget or loose their interest or themselves on the way to a new life. Hopefully they can gain some new friends and contacts and learn a little language by doing that as well.
Thirdly; Offer job, education opportunities, this is similar to offering hobbies and activities but this is more for the career building and a new life. This way the people coming to Sweden can get a chance to get out of their homes and do stuff that is good for the society and themselves.
Integration is an important thing to do, new people and cultures are important for a developing society. You can get a lot of different perspectives by meeting people with different backgrounds.. The whole world, not only Sweden should be better at accepting, managing and integrate immigrants. For a more peaceful and loving world…for a better future.