Chapter 1: Immigration
One of the most prominent and recurring arguments, that was used throughout the campaign leading up to the referendum by the Leave supporters, was that by exiting the EU, the United Kingdom could reduce the number of immigrants being accepted into the country from the European Union. This argument helped persuade a significant and rising number of people in the UK that claim to feel threatened following EU's decision that every member state will be forced to accept any asylum seekers migrating from countries plagued by war.
The Leave campaign used rulings like the one mentioned and other characteristics of EU's harsh foreign policy regarding the refugee crisis as easy to use, generic arguments to prove that staying part of the EU would mean rising immigration rates, which in turn would have negative effects to the community (higher crime rates, difficult to intergrade with this society, etc.).
Let's talk about immigration
In the video above, we can see a typical example of just how distorted and ill-informed the public is about the true facts of immigration and how that relates to the Brexit. As most people have been led to believe that simply leaving the EU would mean no more obligations in terms of foreign affairs. That is only partially true.
In reality, leaving the EU will not help the UK as much as most people think. That is because half of the immigrants that are due to ask for asylum come from other countries outside the EU. Just exiting the EU does not guarantee reduced immigration rates, since the immigrants do not come from within it. Moreover, the UK will be left out of any future regulations and laws regarding the scaling-down of the crisis within the EU and be left to deal with that problem with out any support.
Furthermore, an important point for immigration, which the Leave campaign left out, where the number of positive effects the higher rates could have on the country. For once, according to studies, immigrants are willing to take up jobs and positions in the public sector, meaning a smoother integration to society, lower unemployment rates etc.
Lastly, let's not forget that the free movement that is now in effect across the EU works in vice versa, it does not only help immigrants and refugees reach their destination safely. It also allows every British citizen to live and work in the EU. Exiting the EU cancels out all arrangements made towards a free and easy-to-access job market across Europe. And while this may not seem like a big deal after the euro crisis, it could be a powerful asset in the next years. Quitting the EU would put an end to that, with no visible alternatives from the US so far.
The Leave campaign used rulings like the one mentioned and other characteristics of EU's harsh foreign policy regarding the refugee crisis as easy to use, generic arguments to prove that staying part of the EU would mean rising immigration rates, which in turn would have negative effects to the community (higher crime rates, difficult to intergrade with this society, etc.).
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| Ex- Brexit supporter (unrelated to article) |
In the video above, we can see a typical example of just how distorted and ill-informed the public is about the true facts of immigration and how that relates to the Brexit. As most people have been led to believe that simply leaving the EU would mean no more obligations in terms of foreign affairs. That is only partially true.
In reality, leaving the EU will not help the UK as much as most people think. That is because half of the immigrants that are due to ask for asylum come from other countries outside the EU. Just exiting the EU does not guarantee reduced immigration rates, since the immigrants do not come from within it. Moreover, the UK will be left out of any future regulations and laws regarding the scaling-down of the crisis within the EU and be left to deal with that problem with out any support.
Furthermore, an important point for immigration, which the Leave campaign left out, where the number of positive effects the higher rates could have on the country. For once, according to studies, immigrants are willing to take up jobs and positions in the public sector, meaning a smoother integration to society, lower unemployment rates etc.
Lastly, let's not forget that the free movement that is now in effect across the EU works in vice versa, it does not only help immigrants and refugees reach their destination safely. It also allows every British citizen to live and work in the EU. Exiting the EU cancels out all arrangements made towards a free and easy-to-access job market across Europe. And while this may not seem like a big deal after the euro crisis, it could be a powerful asset in the next years. Quitting the EU would put an end to that, with no visible alternatives from the US so far.
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