We often hear politicians speak of "controlling and limiting" immigration.
The recent and short lived French Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, in an interview in September 2024, used those words himself, even going as far as saying that the numbers of immigrants coming to France had become "unbearable”.
Meanwhile the French Interior, Bruno Retailleau, said in an interview the same month that immigration is "not an opportunity" and wants to have a referendum.
🤔 What qualifies as "unbearable numbers"? And who exactly are we speaking of? Asylum seekers? Economic migrants?
🤔 What does the Interior Minister mean by saying immigration is not an opportunity? What would be the 'yes/no' question on a referendum on immigration?
These statements are made by politicians without us questioning them. They speak as if we all assumed immigration is something negative to begin with. This is echoed in many countries in the West, with fringe and main stream politicians in power, or close to it, adopting a similar tone.
We rarely as society look at the topic of immigration, just like many others, through a rational and neutral lens. But what are the numbers? A factual base is needed for a healthy understanding and discussion.
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Presented and produced by Jonathan Ketchell
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