Skip to Main Content

Ripped From the Headlines

A guide to understanding the wider context behind stories in the news.

Anti-immigration Laws

Numerous laws have been passed by European countries to restrict the flow of migrants.  In addition, several European countries have passed laws which seek to limit multiculturalism and encourage assimilation among immigrant populations.  An example of this would be the French headscarf ban enacted in 2011 or the Dutch Law of Integration from 2007, which requires immigrants from non-EU countries to pass an exam in the Dutch language or be forced to leave.

Shortage of Workers in Europe

Many countries in Europe are facing labor shortages.  In the past, migrant workers have filled the gaps.  This was the case in the early 1960s, when Germany began inviting Turks to emigrate and become "Gastarbeiter" ("guest worker").  Stricter immigration regulations could make it difficult to fill jobs in these countries.